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THE    EXERCISES 


ADAPTED    TO 


-V URRA  Y'S 


ENGLISH     G  R  A  M  M  A  R. 

Calculated  to  enable  Private  Learners 
TO    BECOME   THEIR    OWN    INSTRUCTERS, 

IV    GRAMMAR    -LVD    COMPOSITION. 


BY    THE    AUTHOR    OF    THE    EXERCISFS. 


THE     TWENTY-THIRD    EDIT1 


YORK  : 

Printed  by  Thomas  Wilson  and  -Sons,  H]gh-Oi 
FOB.    LOKOMAX,    REES,     ORME,    HROWV,    GREEK 
AND  LONGMAN  ;    AND  FOR  DARTO.V  AND  HARVEY,  I,OM 
>    FOR    WILSON    AND    SONS,    YORK. 

1837. 


•  *  *  •     * 


EDUCATION  DEF& 


^  Z  /  j  ~  *    ^ 


ADVERTISEMENT 


TO    THE    TENTH    EDITION. 


The  author  of  this  work,   and  of*  the  books  con- 
nected with  it,  thinks  it  is  incumbent  upon  him  to 
make  some  apology,  for  the  variations  which  are  to 
be  found  in  the  different  editions.     The  infirm  state 
of  his  health;    his  numerous  occupations;    and  the 
quick   succession   of    new    editions   of    his   English 
Grammar,  English  Exercises,   and  Key  to  the  Ex- 
ercises ;    prevented    him   from   giving   these  books, 
at    an    early    period    of   their   publication,    all    the 
improvements     which     he     had    contemplated,     or 
which    had    been   occasionally   suggested   to    him. 
The  successive  additions  and   improvements   which 
these     works    have    received,     and     which    some- 
times occasioned  a  want  of  correspondence  amongst 
them,   must  certainly   have   been  productive  of  in- 
convenience or  expense,  to  many  persons  who  had 
purchased    the   earlier   editions.      This,   though   the 
author  regretted  the  circumstance,  was,  for  the  rea- 
sons  alleged,    unavoidable.      He   must   either   have 
suppressed  the  improvements  entirely,  or  have  in- 

541162    a  2 


IV  ADVERTISEMENT. 

serted  them  gradually  as  the  new  editions  appeared : 
but  as  he  conceived  them  to  be  of  considerable 
importance,  he  could  not  think  it  warrantable  to 
omit  them ;  and  the  approbation  of  the  public  has 
confirmed  him  in  the  propriety  of  this  decision. 

It  is  with  particular  satisfaction  that  the  author 
can  now  state,  that  the  additions  and  alterations 
which  he  had  in  view,  are  completed,  and  are  con- 
tained in  the  sixteenth  edition  of  the  Grammar,  the 
twelfth  of  the  Exercises,  and  the  tenth  of  the  Key  ; 
that  these  editions  of  the  books  correspond  exactly 
to  one  another;  and  that  it  is  his  intention  that,  in 
every  future  edition  of  each  of  them,  this  cor- 
respondence shall  be  faithfully  preserved. 

It  is  indeed  possible,  that  some  illustrations  or 
justification  of  particular  rules  and  positions  contained 
in  the  Grammar,  may  yet  be  necessary.  But  if,  con- 
trary to  expectation,  this  should  be  the  case,  the 
practical  parts  of  the  system  will  not  be  affected  by 
such  additions.  The  connexion,  as  it  now  subsists, 
between  the  Grammar,  the  Exercises,  and  the  Key, 
will  remain  invariably  the  same ;  unless  some  error, 
at  present  unobserved,  should  hereafter  be  dis- 
covered. 

As  the  types  composing  the  Grammar  have,  for 
a  considerable   time,  been  kept  standing;    and  as 


* 


ADVERTISEMENT.  V 

the  book  could  not  be  enlarged  without  advan- 
cing its  price  ;  many  of  the  subsequent  improve- 
ments have  been  necessarily  inserted  in  appro- 
priate parts  of  the  Exercises,  or  the  Key.  Refer- 
ences have,  however,  been  made  in  the  Grammar, 
under  the  correspondent  rules,  to  the  additional  notes 
and  illustrations.  To  this  mode  of  supplying  im- 
provements, the  reader  will  have  the  less  objection, 
when  he  considers,  that  the  Exercises  and  the  Key 
are  necessary  appendages  to  the  Grammar ;  and 
serve  to  illustrate  and  enforce,  as  well  as  to  extend, 
its  rules  and  positions.  The  three  volumes  are  in- 
deed intimately  connected,  and  constitute  one  uni- 
form svstem  of  English  Grammar. 

To  this  edition  of  the  Key,  the  author  has  sub- 
joined a  copious  Alphabetical  Index  to  the  Grammai . 
the    Exercises,    and   the    Key:    a   work,    which 

tters  himself,   will  be  generally  useful  ;    and  par- 
ticularly  acceptable   to   students    who    have    m 
some  progress  in  the  knowledge  of  gramm 

IIoldgate  near  York,  ]80">. 


Q^*    See  the  Advertisement  at   page  220  of  I 

time. 

A3 


CONTENTS. 


PART  II. 

Orthography. 

Page. 

Cha*p.   1.  Corrections  of  the  false  Orthography,  arranged 

under  the  respective  rules 

2.  Corrections  of  the  false  Orthography,  promis- 
cuously disposed 15 


PART  III. 

Syntax. 

Chap.  1.  Corrections  of  the  false  Syntax,  arranged  under 

tli£  rules 29 

2.  Corrections  of  the  false  Syntax,  promiscuously 
disposed 


PART  IV. 
Punctuation. 

Chap.   1.  Applications  of  the  Comma,  disposed  under  the 

particular  rules Ill 

2.  Insertions  of  the  Semicolon  and  Comma    .     .     .121 

3.  Applications  of  the  Colon,  &.c 123 

4.  Insertions  of  the  Period,  &c 125 

5.  Applications  of  the  Dash  ;    of  the  Notes  of  In- 

terrogation  and   Exclamation  ;    and  of  the 
Parenthetical  characters 127 

6.  Corrections   of    the   promiscuous    instances   uf 

defective  punctuation 

A4 


VUl  CONTENTS. 

PART  V. 

Perspicuity  and  Accuracy. 

Page, 
First,  with  respect  to  single  words  and  phrases. 

Chap.  1.  Corrections  of  the  errors  that  relate  to  Purity  .  141 

2.  Corrections  of  the   errors  that  relate  to  Pro- 

priety   143 

3.  Corrections  of  the  errors  which  respect  Preci- 

sion   15J 


(O 


Secondly,  with  respect  to  the  construction  of 

sentences. 

Chap.  1.  Corrections  of  the  errors  which  relate  to  the 

Clearness  of  a  sentence 152 

2.  Corrections  of  the  errors  relating  to  the  Unity 

of  a  sentence .159 

3.  Corrections  of   the   errors  which  respect  the 

Strength  of  a  sentence 163 

4.  Corrections  of  the  errors  that  relate  to  Figures 

of  Speech 175 

5.  Corrections  of  the  errors  in  the  chapter  of  Pro- 

miscuous Exercises 178 

Alphabetical  Index  to  the  Grammar,  the  Exercises,  and 

the  Key 201 


KEY  TO  THE  EXERCISES. 


PART  II*. 
ORTHOGRAPHY 


CHAPTER    I. 

Containing   corrections   of  the  false    Orthography. 
arranged  under  the  respective  Rules. 

Grammar,  p.  G7.     Exercises,  p.  47. 


RULE  1. 

■ 

It  is  no  great  merit  to  spell  properly:  but  a  ^reat 
detect  to  do  it  incorrectly. 

Jacob  worshiped  his  Creator,  leaning  on  the  top 
of  his  staff. 

We  may  place  too  little,  as  well  as  too  much,  strew 
upon  dreams. 

\  regular  explanation  of  the  Ext  r  :n  Parsing,  would 

occupy  a  great  portion  of  this  volume;  and,  after  all,  would 
perhaps  be  of  little  use  to  the  learner:  a  Key  to  Part   I 
thereforeomitted.  General  directions,  n  u?  the  mod.  i 

I      -     •.  may  be  seen  in  the  in-c/ji//,  or  any  sul)s<  quent,edition 
of  the  Duodecimo  Grammar,  page  215.   The  reader  in 
peruse  pages  42  to  52  of  the  Second  Volume  of  the  third,  or 
any  later,  edition  of  the  Octavo  Grammar. 

A5 


]  0  KEY. 

Our  manners  should  be  neither  gross,  nor  exces* 
sively  refined. 


RULE  II. 
Grammar,  p.  38.     Exercises,  p.  47. 

A  car  signifies  a  chariot  of  war,  or  a  small  car- 
riage of  burden. 

In  the  names  of  drugs  and  plants,  the  mistake  in 
a  word  may  endanger  life. 

Nor  undelightful  is  the  ceaseless  hum 

To  him  who  muses  through  the  woods  at  noon. 

The  Jin  of  a  fish  is  the  limb,  by  which  he  balances 
his  body,  and  moves  in  the  water. 

Many  a  trap  is  laid  to  insnare  the  feet  of  youth. 

Many  thousand  families  are  supported  by  the 
simple  business  of  making  ?nats. 


rule  in. 

We  should  subject  our  fancies  to  the  government 
of  reason. 

If  thou  art  seeking  for  the  living  amongst  the 
dead,  thou  iveariest  thyself  in  vain. 

If  we  have  denied  ourselves  sinful  pleasures,  we 
shall  be  great  gainers  in  the  end. 

We  shall  not  be  the  happier  for  possessing  talents 
and  affluence,  unless  we  make  a  right  use  of  them. 

The  truly  good  mind  is  not  dismayed  by  poverty, 
afflictions,  or  death. 


ORTHOGRAPHY.  1  ' 


RULE  IV. 

Grammar,  p.  3S.     Exercises,  p.  49. 

It  is  a  great  blessing  to  have  a  sound  mind,  unin- 
fluenced by  fanciful  humours. 

Common  calamities,  and  common  blessings,  tall 
heavily  upon  the  envious. 

The  comeliness  of  youth  are  modesty  and  frank- 
ness ;  of  age,  condescension  and  dignity. 

When  we  act  against  conscience,  we  become  the 
destroyers  of  our  own  peace. 

We  may  be  playful,  and  yet  innocent;  grave,  and 
yet  corrupt.  It  is  only  from  general  conduct,  that 
our  true  character  can  be  portrayed. 


rule  v. 

W  hen  we  bring  the  lawmaker  into  contempt,  we 
have  in  effect  annulled  his  laws. 

By  deferring  our  repentance,  we  accumulate  our 
sorrows. 

The  pupils  of  a  certain  ancient  philosopher,  were 
not,  during  their  first  years  of  study,  permitted  to 
ask  any  questions. 

We  all  have  many  failings  and  lapses  to  lament 
and  recover. 

There  is  no  affliction  with  which  we  arc  visited, 
that  may  not  be  improved  to  our  advantage. 

The  Christian  Lawgiver  has  prohibited  many 
things,  which  the  heathen  philosophers  allowed. 

AG 


1 2  KEY. 

RULE  VI. 

Grammar,  p.  39.     Exercises,  p.  50. 

Restlessness  of  mind  disqualifies  us,  both  for  the  en- 
joyment of  peace,  and  the  performance  of  our  duty. 

The  arrows  of  calumny  fall  harmlessly  at  the  feet 
of  virtue. 

The  road  to  the  blissful  regions,  is  as  open  to  the 
peasant  as  to  the  king. 

A  cliilness,  or  shivering  of  the  body,  generally 
precedes  a  fever. 

To  recommend  virtue  to  others,  our  lights  must 
shine  brightly,  not  dully. 

The  silent  stranger  stood  amaz'd  to  see 
Contempt  of  wealth,  and  wilful  poverty. 

RULE  VII. 

The  warmth  of  disputation,  destroys  that  sedate- 
ness  of  mind  which  is  necessary  to  discover  truth. 

All  these  with  ceaseless  praise  his  works  behold, 
Both  day  and  night. 

In  all  our  reasonings,  our  minds  should  be  sincerely 
employed  in  the  pursuit  of  truth. 

Rude  behaviour,  and  indecent  language,  are  pe- 
culiarly disgraceful  to  youth  of  education. 

The  true  worship  of  God  is  an  important  and 
awful  service, 

Wisdom  alone  is  truly  fair  :  folly  only  appears  so. 


ORTHOGRAPHY.  13 


RULE  VIII. 
Grammar,  p.  39.     Exercises,  p.  51. 

The  study  of  the  English  language  is  making  daily 
advancement. 

A  judicious  arrangement  of  studies  facilitates  im- 
provement. 

To  shun  allurements  is  not  hard, 

To  minds  resolv'd,  forewarn'd,  and  well  prepar'd. 


RULE  IX. 

Every  person  and  thing  connected  with  self,  is  apt 
to  appear  good  and  desirable  in  our  eyes. 

Errors  and  misconduct  are  more  excusable  in  is:- 
norant,  than  in  well-instructed  persons. 

The  divine    laws   are   not   reversible   by  those  oi 
men. 

Gratitude    is    a  forcible   and    active    principle    in 
good  and  generous  minds. 

Our  natural  and  involuntary  defects  of  bod] 
not  chargeable  upon  us. 

We  are  made  to  be  serviceable  to  others,   as  well 
as  to  ourselves. 


rule  x. 


An   obliging   and   humble    disposition,    is   totally 
unconnected  with  a  servile  and  cringing  humour. 


1 4  KEY. 

By  solacing  the  sorrows  of  others,  the  heart  is 
improved,  at  the  same  time  that  our  duty  is  per- 
formed. 

Labour  and  expense  are  lost  upon  a  dronish 
spirit. 

The  inadvertences  of  youth  may  be  excused,  but 
knavish  tricks  should  meet  with  severe  reproof. 


RULE  XI. 
Grammar,  p.  39.     Exercises,  p.  53. 

Love  worketh  no  ill  to  our  neighbour,  and  is  the 
fulfilling  of  the  law. 

That  which  is  sometimes  expedient,  is  not  always 
so. 

We  may  be  hurtful  to  others,  by  our  example,  as 
well  as  by  personal  injuries. 

Where  diligence  opens  the  door  of  the  under- 
standing, and  impartiality  keeps  it,  truth  finds  an 
entrance  and  a  welcome  too. 


(     15     ) 


CHAPTER   II. 

Containing  corrections  of  the  false  Orthography,  pro- 
jniscuously  disposed. 

SECTION   I. 

Exercises,  p.  53. 

Neglect  no  opportunity  of  doing  good. 
No  man  can  steadily  build  upon  accidents. 

How  shall  we  keep,  what  sleeping  or  awake, 
A  weaker  may  surprise,  a  stronger  take  ? 

Neither  time  nor  misfortunes  should  erase  the  re- 
membrance  of  a  friend. 

Moderation  should  preside,  both  in  the  kitchen 
and  the  parlour. 

Shall  we  receive  good  at  the  Divine  hand,  and 
shall  we  not  receive  evil  ? 

In  many  designs,  we  may  succeed  and  be  miser- 
able. 

We  should  have  sense  and  virtue  enough  to  recede 
from  our  demands,  when  they  appear  to  be  unrea- 
sonable. 

All  our  comforts  proceed  from  the  Father  of 
Goodness. 

The  ruin  of  a  state  is  generally  preceded  by  a 
universal  degeneracy  of  manners,  and  a  contempt  ol 
religion. 


1 6  key.  (Pronds- 

His  father  omitted  nothing  in  his  education,  that 
might  render  him  virtuous  and  useful. 

The  daw  in  the  fable  was  dressed  in  pilfered  or- 
naments. 

A  favour  conferred  with  delicacy,  doubles  the  obli- 
gation. 

They   tempted   their    Creator,    and    limited   the 
Holy  One  of  Israel. 

The  precepts  of  a  good  education  have  often  re- 
curred in  the  time  of  need. 

We   are   frequently  benefited  by  what   we   have 
dreaded. 

It  is  no  great  virtue  to   live    lovingly  with   good 
natured  and  meek  persons. 

The  Christian  religion  gives  a  more  lovely  cha- 
racter of  God,  than  any  religion  ever  did. 

Without  sinistrous  views,  they  are  dexterous  ma- 
nagers of  their  own  interest. 

Any  thing  committed  to  the  trust  and  care  of  ano- 
ther, is  a  deposite. 

Here  finished  he,  and  all  that  he  had  made 
Viewed  and  beheld !  All  was  entirely  good. 

It  deserves  our  best  skill  to  inquire  into  those  rules, 
by  which  we  may  guide  our  judgment. 

Food,  clothing,  and  habitations,  are  the  rewards 
of  industry. 

If  we  lay  no  restraint  upon  our  lusts,  no  control 
upon  our  appetites  and  passions,  they  will  hurry  us 
into  guilt  and  misery. 

An  Independent  is  one  who,  in  religious  affairs, 
holds  that  every  congregation  is  a  complete  Church. 


CUOUS.)  ORTHOGRAPHY.  I? 

Receive  his  counsel,  and  securely  move: 
Intrust  thy  fortune  to  the  Power  above. 

Following  life  in  creatures  we  dissect, 
We  lose  it  in  the  moment  we  detect. 

Tiie  acknowledgment  of  our  transgressions   must 
precede  the  forgiveness  of  them. 

Judicious    abridgments    often   aid   the   studies   of 
youth. 

Examine  how  thy  humour  is  inclined, 

And  which  the  ruling  passion  of  thy  mind. 

He  fullers  at  the  question: 


His  fears,  his  words,  his  looks,  declare  him  guilty. 

Calico  is  a  thin  cloth  made  of  cotton;    sometimes 
stained  with  lively  colours. 

To  promote  iniquity  in  others,  is  nearly  the  sai 
as  beins  the  actors  of  it  ourselves. 

The  glazier's  business  was  unknown  to  the  ancients. 

The  antecedent,  in  grammar,  is  the  noun  or  pro- 
noun to  which  the  relative  refers. 

section  2. 
F.xcrcises,  p.  56. 

Be  not  afraid  of  the  wicked  :  they  are  under  the 
control  of  Providence.  Consciousness  of  guilt  may 
justly  affright  us. 

Convey  to  others  no  intelligence  which  you  would 
be  ashamed  to  avow. 


1 8  key.  (Promis- 

Many  are  weighed  in  the  balance,  and  found 
wanting. 

How  many  disappointments  have,  in  their  conse- 
quences, saved  a  man  from  ruin ! 

A  well-poized  mind  makes  a  cheerful  countenance. 

A  certain  householder  planted  a  vineyard,  but  the 
men  employed  in  it  made  ungrateful  returns. 

Let  us  show  diligence  in  every  laudable  under- 
taking. 

Cinnamon  is  the  fragrant  bark  of  a  low  tree  in  the 
island  of  Ceylon. 

A  ram  will  butt  with  his  head,  though  he  be 
brought  up  tame,  and  never  saw  the  action. 

We  perceive  a  piece  of  silver  in  a  basin,  when 
water  is  poured  on  it,  though  we  could  not  discover 
it  before. 

Virtue  embalms  the  memory  of  the  good. 

The  king  of  Great  Britain  is  a  limited  monarch ; 
and  the  British  nation  a  free  people. 

The  physician  may  dispense  the  medicine,  but 
Providence  alone  can  bless  it. 

In  many  pursuits,  we  embark  with  pleasure,  and 
land  sorrowfully. 

Rocks,  mountains,  and  caverns,  are  of  indispen- 
sable use,  both  to  the  earth  and  to  man. 

The  hive  of  a  city,  or  kingdom,  is  in  the  best  con- 
dition, when  there  is  the  least  noise  or  buzz  in  it. 

The  roughnesses  found  on  our  entrance  into^the 
paths  of  virtue  and  learning,  grow  smoother  as  we 
advance. 

That  which  was  once  the  most  beautiful  spot  of 
Italy,  covered  with  palaces,  embellished  by  princes, 


CUOUS.)  ORTHOGRAPHY.  19 

and  celebrated  by  poets,   has  now  nothing  to  show 
but  ruins. 

Battering  rams  were  anciently  used  to  beat  down 
the  walls  of  a  city. 

Jockey  signifies  a  man  who  rides  horses  in  a  race; 
or  who  deals  in  horses. 

The  harmlessness  of  many  animals,  and  the  enjoy- 
ment which  they  have  of  life,  should  plead  for  them 
against  cruel  usage. 

We  may  be  very  busy,  to  no  useful  purpose. 

We  cannot  plead  in  abatement  of  our  guilt,  that 
we  are  ignorant  of  our  duty. 

Genuine  charity,  how  liberal  soever  it  may  be, 
will  never  empovcrish  ourselves.  If  we  sow  sparingly, 
we  shall  reap  accordingly. 

However  disagreeable,  we  must  resolutely  perfon:. 
our  duty. 

A  fit  of  sickness  is  often  a  kind  chastisement  and 
discipline,  to  moderate  our  affection  for  the  things  of 
this  life. 

It  is  a  happiness  to  young  persons,  when  they  are 
preserved  from  the  snares  of  the  world,  as  in  a  gar- 
den enclosed. 

Health  and  peace,  the  most  valuable  possessions, 
are  obtained  at  small  expense. 

Incense  signifies  perfumes  exhaled  by  fire,  and 
made  use  of  in  religious  ceremonies. 

True  happiness  is  an  enemy  to  pomp  and  noise. 

Few  reflections  are  more  distressing,  than  those 
which  we  make  on  our  own  ingratitude. 

There  is  an  inseparable  connexion  between  piety 
and  virtue. 


20  key.  ( Promts- 

Many  actions  have  a  fair  complexion,  which  have 
not  sprung  from  virtue. 

Which  way  soever  we  turn  ourselves,  we  are  en- 
countered with  sensible  demonstrations  of  a  Deitv. 

li  we  forsake  the  ways  of  virtue,  we  cannot  allege 
an};-  colour  of  ignorance,  or  want  of  instruction. 

section  3. 
Exercises,  p.  59. 

There  are  more  cultivators  of  the  earth,  than  of 
their  own  hearts. 

Man  is  encompassed  with  clangers  innumerable. 

War  is  attended  with  distressful  and  desolating 
effects.  It  is  confessedly  the  scourge  of  our  angry 
passions. 

The  earth  is  the  Lord's,  and  the  fulness  thereof. 

The  harvest  truly  is  plenteous,  but  the  labourers 
are  few. 

The  greater  our  incitements  to  evil,  the  greater 
will  be  our  victory  and  reward. 

We  should  not  encourage  persons  to  do  what  they 
believe  to  be  wrong. 

Virtue  is  placed  between  two  extremes,  which  are 
both  equally  blamable. 

We  should  continually  have  the  goal  in  our  view 
which  would  direct  us  in  the  race. 

The  gaols  were  forced  open,  and  the  prisoners  set 
free. 

It  cannot  be  said  that  we  are  charitable  donors, 
when  our  gifts  proceed  from  selfish  motives. 

Strait  is  the  gate,  and  narrow  the  way,  that  lead 
to  life  eternal. 


CUOUS.)  ORTHOGRAPHY.  2  J 

Integrity  leads  us  straight  forward,  disdaining  all 
doublings,  and  crooked  paths. 

Licentiousness  and  crimes  pave  the  way  to  ruin. 
Words  are    the   counters   of  wise    men,    but   the 
mom  y  of  fools. 

Recompense  to  no  man  evil  for  evil. 
He  was  an  excellent  person;  a  mirror  of  ancient 
faith  in  early  youth. 

Meekness  controls  our  angry  passions;  candour, 
our  severe  judgments. 

He  is  not  only  a  descendant  from  pious  ancestors, 
but  an  inheritor  too  of  their  virtues. 

A  dispensary  is  the  place  where  medicines  are 
dispensed:  a  dispensatory  is  a  book  in  which  the 
composition  of  them  is  described. 

Faithfulness  and  judgment  are  peculiarly  requisite 
in  testamentary  executors. 

To  be  faithful  among  the  faithless,  argues  great 
strength  of  principle. 

Mountains  appear  to  be  like  so  many  wens  or 
vnnatural  protuberances  on  the  face  of  the  earth. 

In  some  places  the  sea  encroaches  upon  the  land; 
in  others,  the  land  upon  the  sea. 

Philosophers  agreed  in  despising  riches,  as  the 
encumbrances  of  life. 

Wars  are  regulated  robberies  and  piracies. 
Fishes  increase  more  than  beasts  or  birds,  as  ap- 
pears from  their  numerous  spawn. 

The  pyramids  of  Egypt   have    stood   more    than 
three  thousand  ye;' 

IV  -  have  small  influence,  when  not  enforced 

by  example. 


22  key.  (Promts- 

How  has  kind  Heav'n  adorn'd  the  happy  land, 
And  scatter'd  blessings  with  a  wasteful  hand. 

A  friend  exaggerates  a  man's  virtues,  an  enemy 
inflames  his  crimes. 

A  witty  and  humorous  vein  has  often  produced 
enemies. 

Neither  pleasure  nor  business  should  engross  our 
time  and  affections;  proper  seasons  should  be  allotted 
for  retirement. 

It  is  laudable  to  inquire  before  we  determine. 

Manv  have  been  visited  with  afflictions,  who  have 
not  profited  by  them. 

We  may  be  successful,  and  yet  disappointed. 

section  4«. 
Exercises,  p.  61. 

The  experience  of  want  enhances  the  value  of 
plenty. 

To  maintain  opinions  stiffly,  is  no  evidence  of  their 
truth,  or  of  our  moderation. 

Hoarhound  has  been  famous  for  its  medicinal 
qualities :  but  it  is  now  little  used. 

The  wicked  are  often  insnared  in  the  trap  which 
they  lay  for  others. 

It  is  hard  to  say  what  diseases  are  curable:  they 
are  all  under  the  guidance  of  Heaven. 

Instructers  should  not  only  be  skilful  in  those 
sciences  which  they  teach;  but  have  skill  in  the 
method  of  teaching,  and  patience  in  the  practice. 

Science  strengthens  and  enlarges  the  minds  of  men. 


CUOUS.)  ORTHOGRAPHY.  23 

A  steady  mind  may  receive  counsel;  but  there  is 
no  hold  on  a  changeable  humour. 

We  may  inure  ourselves  by  custom,  to  bear  the 
extremities  of  weather  without  injury. 

Excessive  merriment  is  the  parent  of  grief . 

Air  is  sensible  to  the  touch  by  its  motion,  and  by 
its  resistance  to  bodies  moved  in  it. 

A  polite  address  is  sometimes  the  cloak  of  malice. 
,  To  practise  virtue  is  the  sure  way  to  love  it. 

Many  things  are  plausible  in  theory,  which  fail 
in  practice. 

Learning  and  knowledge  must  be  attained  by  slow 
degrees  :  and  are  the  reward  only  of  diligence  and 
patience. 

We  should  study  to  live  peaceably  with  all  men. 

A  soul  that  can  securely  death  defy, 
And  count  it  nature's  privilege  to  die. 

Whatever  promotes  the  interest  of  the  soul,  is 
also  conducive  to  our  present  felicity. 

Let  not  the  sternness  of  virtue  affright  us;  she  will 
soon  become  amiable. 

The  spacious  firmament  on  high, 
With  all  the  blue  ethereal  sky, 
And  spangled  heav'ns,  a  shining  frame, 
Their  great  Original  proclaim. 

Passion  is  the  drunkenness  of  the  mind  :  it  super- 
sedes  the  workings  of  reason. 

If  we  are  sincere,  we  may  be  assured  of  an  ad- 
vocate to  intercede  fur  us. 


24  key.  (Promis- 

We  ought  not  to  consider  the  increase  of  another's 
reputation,  as  a  diminution  of  our  own. 

The  rheumatism  is  a  painful  distemper,  supposed 
to  proceed  from  acrid  humours. 

The  beautiful  and  accomplished,  are  too  apt  to 
study  behaviour  rather  than  virtue. 

The  peasant's  cabin  contains  as  much  content  as 
the  sovereign's  palace. 

True  valour  protects  the  feeble,  and  humbles  the 
oppressor. 

David,  the  son  of  Jesse,  was  a  wise  and  valiant 
man. 

Prophecies  and  miracles  proclaimed  Jesus  Christ 
to  be  the  Saviour  of  the  world. 

Esau  sold  his  birthright  for  a  savoury  mess  of  pot- 
tage. 

A  regular  and  virtuous  education,  is  an  inestimable 
blessing. 

Honour  and  shame  from  no  condition  rise : 
Act  well  your  part;  there,  all  the  honour  lies. 

The  rigour  of  monkish  discipline  often  conceals 
great  depravity  of  heart. 

We  should  recollect,  that  however  favourable  we 
may  be  to  ourselves,  we  are  rigorously  examined  by 
others. 

section  5. 
Exercises,  p.  63. 

Virtue  can  render  youth,  as  well  as  old  age,  ho- 
nourable* 


CUOUS-)  ORTHOGRAPHY.  25 

Rumour  often  tells  false  tales. 

Weak  minds  are  ruffled  by  trifling  things. 

The  cabbage  tree  is  very  common  in  the  Caribbee 
islands,  where  it  grows  to  a  prodigious  height. 

Visit  the  sick,  feed  the  hungry,  clothe  the  naked. 

His  smiles  and  tears  are  too  artificial  to  be  relied 
on. 

The  most  essential  virtues  of  a  Christian,  are  love 
to  God  and  benevolence  to  man. 

We  should  be  cheerful  without  levity. 

A  calendar  signifies  a  register  of  the  year ;  and  a 
calender,  a  press  in  which  clothiers  smooth  their 
cloth. 

Integrity  and  hope  are  the  sure  palliatives  of  sor- 
row. 

Chamomile  is  an  odoriferous  plant,  and  possesses 
considerable  medicinal  virtues. 

The  gaiety  of  youth  should  be  tempered  by  the 
precepts  of  age. 

Certainty,  even  on  distressful  occasions,  is  some- 
times more  eligible  than  suspense. 

Still  green  with  bays  each  ancient  altar  stands 
Above  the  reach  of  sacrilegious  hands. 

The  most  acceptable  sacrifice,  is  that  of  a  contrite 
and  humble  heart. 

We  are  accountable  for  whatever  we  patronise  in 
others. 

It  marks  a  savage  disposition,  to  torture  animals, 
to  make  them  smart  and  agonize,  for  our  diversion. 

The  edge  of  cloth,  where  it  is  closed  by  compli- 
cating the  threads,  is  called  the  selvage. 

B 


26  key.  (Promis- 

Souchong  tea  and  Turkey  coffee  were  his  favourite 
beverage ;  chocolate  he  seldom  drank. 

The  guilty  mind  cannot  avoid  many  melancholy 
apprehensions. 

If  we  injure  others,  we  must  expect  retaliation. 

Let  every  man  be  fully  persuaded  in  his  own  mind. 

Peace  and  honour  are  the  sheaves  of  virtue's  harvest. 

The  black  earth,  every  where  obvious  on  the  sur- 
face of  the  ground,  we  call  mould. 

The  Roman  pontiff  claims  to  be  the  supreme  head 
of  the  church  on  earth. 

High  seasoned  food  vitiates  the  palate,  and  occa- 
sions a  disrelish  for  plain  fare. 

The  conscious  receiver  is  as  bad  as  the  thief. 

Alexander,   the  conqueror  of  the  world,  was,  in 
fact,  a  robber  and  a  murderer. 

The  Divine  Being  is  not  only  the  Creator,  but  the 
Ruler  and  Preserver  of  the  world. 

Honest  endeavours,  if  persevered  in,  will  finally 
be  successful. 

He  who  dies  for  religion,  is  a  martyr;    he  who 
suffers  for  it,  is  a  confessor. 

In  the  paroxysm  of  passion,  we  sometimes  give 
occasion  for  a  life  of  repentance. 

The  mist  which  envelops  many  studies,  is  dissi- 
pated when  we  approach  them. 

The  voice  is  sometimes  obstructed  by  a  hoarseness, 
or  by  viscous  phlegm. 

The  desert  shall  rejoice,  and  blossom  as  the  rose. 

The  fruit  and  sweetmeats  set  on  table  after  the 
meat,  are  called  the  dessert. 

We  traversed  the  flowery  fields,   till  the   falling 
dews  admonished  us  to  return. 


CUOUS.)  ORTHOGRAPHY.  27 

SECTION  6. 

Exercises,  p.  65. 

There  is  frequently  a  worm"  at  the   root   of  our 
most  flourishing  condition. 

The  stalk  of  ivy  is  tough,  and  not  fragile. 
The  roof  is  vaulted,  and  distils  fresh  water  from 
every  part  of  it. 

Our  imperfections  are  discernible  by  others,  when 
we  think  they  are  concealed.     ■ 

They  think  they  shall  be  heard  for  their  much 
speaking. 

True  criticism  is  not  a  captious,  but  a  liberal  art. 
Integrity  is  our  best  defence  against  the  evils  of 
life. 

No  circumstance  can  license  evil,  or  dispense  with 
the  rules  of  virtue. 

We  may  be  ciphers  in  the  world's  estimation, 
whilst  we  are  advancing  our  own  and  others' 
value. 

The  path  of  virtue  is  the  path  of  peace. 
A  diphthong  is  the  coalition  of  two  vowels  to  form 
one  sound. 

However  forcible  our  temptations,  they  may  be 
resisted. 

I  acknowledge  my  trangression;  and  my  sin  is 
ever  before  me. 

The  college  of  cardinals  are  the  electors  ot  the 
pope. 

He  had  no  colourable  excuse  to  palliate  his  conduct. 

Thy  humorous  vein,  thy  pleasing  folLy, 
Lie  all  neglected,  all  forgot. 

B2 


28  key.  (Promiscuous, 

If  we  are  so  conceited  as  obstinately  to  reject  all 
advice,  we  must  expect  a  dereliction  of  friends. 

Chronology  is  the  science  of  computing  and  ad- 
justing the  periods  of  time. 

In  groves  we  live,  and  lie  on  mossy  beds, 

By  crystal  streams,  that  murmur  through  the  meads. 

It  is  a  secret  cowardice  which  induces  us  to  com- 
pliment the  vices  of  our  superiors,  to  applaud  the 
libertine,  and  laugh  with  the  profane. 

The  lark  each  morning  waked  me  with  her  spright- 
ly lay. 

There  are  no  fewer  than  thirty-two  species  of  the 

lily. 

We  owe  it  to  our  visiters  as  well  as  to  ourselves,  to 
entertain  them  with  useful  and  sensible  conversation. 

Sponsors  are  those  who  become  sureties  for  the 
children's  education  in  the  Christian  faith. 

The  warrior's  fame  is  often  purchased  by  the  blood 
of  thousands. 

Hope  exhilarates  the  mind,  and  is  the  grand  elixir, 
under  all  the  evils  of  life. 

The  incense  of  gratitude,  whilst  it  expresses  our 
duty,  and  honours  our  benefactor,  perfumes  and  re- 
gales ourselves. 


PART  III. 

Syntax. 


CHAPTER   I. 

Containing  corrections  of  the  false  Syntax,  arranged 

under  the  Rules* 


RULE  1. 
Grammar,  p.  139.     Exercises,  p.  67. 

Disappointments  sink  the  heart  of  man  ;  but  the 
renewal  of  hope  gives  consolation. 

The  smiles  that  encourage  severity  of  judgment, 
hide  malice  and  insincerity. 

He  dares  not  act  in  opposition  to  his  instructions. 

Fifty  pounds  of  wheat  contain  forty  pounds  ot 
flour. 

The  mechanism  of  clocks  and  watches  ivas  totally 
unknown  a  few  centuries  ago. 

The  number  of  the  inhabitants  of  Great  Britain 
and  Ireland,  does  not  exceed  sixteen  millions. 

Nothing  but  vain  and  foolish  pursuits  delights somt 

persons. 

B3 


30  key.  (Rule  I. 

A  variety  of  pleasing  objects  charms  the  eye. 

So  much  both  of  ability  and  merit  is  seldom  found. 

In  the  conduct  of  Parmenio,  a  mixture  of  wisdom 
and  folly  was  very  conspicuous. 

He  is  a  more  methodical  writer  than  Plutarch,  or 
any  other,  that  writes  lives  too  hastily. 

The  inquisitive  and  curious  are  generally  talkative. 

Great  pains  have  been  taken  to  reconcile  the 
parties. 

I  am  sorry  to  say  it,  but  there  were  more  equivo- 
cators  than  one. 

The  sincere  are  always  esteemed.    ■ 

Have  the  goods  been  sold  to  advantage  ?  and  didst 
thou  embrace  the  proper  season  ? 

There  are  many  occasions  in  life,  in  which  silence 
and  simplicity  are  true  wisdom. 

The  generous  never  recount  minutely  the  actions 
they  have  done;  nor  the  prudent,  those  they  will  do. 

He  needs  not  proceed  in  such  haste. 

The  business  that  related  to  ecclesiastical  meetings, 
matters,  and  persons,  was  to  be  ordered  according  to 
the  king's  direction. 

In  him  was  happily  blended  true  dignity  with 
softness  of  manners. 

The  support  of  so  many  of  his  relations,  was  a 
heavy  tax  upon  his  industry;  but  thou  knowest,  he 
paid  it  cheerfully. 

What  avail  the  best  sentiments,  if  persons  do  not 
live  suitably  to  them? 

Reconciliation  was  offered,  on  conditions  as  mo- 
derate as  were  consistent  with  a  permanent  union. 

Not  one  of  them  whom  thou  seest  clothed  in  purple, 
is  completely  happy. 


Rule  \.)  SYNTAX.  31 

And  the  fame  of  this  persoD,  and  of  his  wonderful 
actions,  tvas  diffused  throughout  the  country. 

The  variety  of  the  productions  of  genius,  like  that 
of  the  operations  of  nature,  is  without  limit. 

In  vain  our  flocks  and  fields  increase  our  store, 
When  our  abundance  makes  us  wish  for  more. 

Thou  shouldst  love  thy  neighbour  as  sincerely  as 
thou  lovest  thyself. 

Hast  thou  no  better  reason  for  censuring  thy  friend 
and  companion  ? 

Thou,  who  art  the  Author  and  Bestower  of  life, 
canst  doubtless  restore  it  also:  but  whether  thou  wilt 
please  to  restore  it,  or  not,  that  thou  only  bioivest. 

"  O  thou  my  voice  inspire, 
Who  touch'd  Isaiah's  hallowed  lips  with  fire. 
"  Who  touchedst  or  didst  touch." 

Accept  these  grateful  tears :  for  thee  they  flow ; 
For  thee  that  ever  felt  another's  wo. 
"  Didst  feel." 

Just  to  thy  word,  in  ev'ry  thought  sincere ; 
Who  knew  no  wish  but  what  the  world  might  hear. 
"  Who  kne-jcest  or  didst  know," 

The  following  examples  are  adapted  to  the  notes  and 

observations  under  Rule  i. 

Grammar,  p.  139.    Exercises,  p.  69. 

1.  To  do  unto  all  men,  as  we  would  that  thev,  in 
similar  circumstances,  should  do  unto  us,  constitute* 
the  great  principle  of  virtue. 

B4 


32  key.  (Rule  1. 

From  a  fear  of  the  world's  censure,  to  be  ashamed 
of  the  practice  of  precepts  which  the  heart  approves 
and  embraces,  marks  a  feeble  and  imperfect  cha- 
racter. 

The  erroneous  opinions  which  we  form  concern- 
ing happiness  and  misery,  give  rise  to  all  the  mis- 
taken and  dangerous  passions  that  embroil  our  life. 

To  live  soberly,  righteously,  and  piously,  is  re- 
quired of  all  men. 

That  it  is  our  duty  to  promote  the  purity  of  our 
minds  and  bodies,  to  be  just  and  kind  to  our  fellow- 
creatures,  and  to  be  pious  and  faithful  to  Him  that 
made  us,  admits  not  of  any  doubt  in  a  rational  and 
well-informed  mind. 

To  be  of  a  pure  and  humble  mind,  to  exercise  be- 
nevolence towards  others,  to  cultivate  piety  towards 
God,  are  the  sure  means  of  becoming  peaceful  and 
happy. 

It  is  an  important  truth,  that  religion,  vital  reli- 
gion, the  religion  of  the  heart,  is  the  most  power- 
ful auxiliary  of  reason,  in  waging  war  with  the 
passions,  and  promoting  that  sweet  composure  which 
constitutes  the  peace  of  God. 

The  possession  of  our  senses  entire,  of  our  limbs 
uninjured,  of  a  sound  understanding,  of  friends  and 
companions,  is  often  overlooked;  though  it  would 
be  the  ultimate  wish  of  many,  who,  as  far  as  we  can 
judge,  deserve  it  as  much  as  ourselves. 

All  that  makes  a  figure  on  the  great  theatre  of  the 
world,  the  employments  of  the  busy,  the  enter- 
prises of  the  ambitious,  and  the  exploits  of  the  war- 
like; the  virtues  which  form  the  happiness,  and  the 
crimes  which  occasion  the  misery  of  mankind ;  ori- 


Rule  2.)  SYNTAX. 

ginate  in  that  silent  and  secret  recess  of  thought, 
which  is  hidden  from  every  human  eve. 

2.  If  the  privileges  to  which  he  has  an  undoubted 
right,  anil  which  he  has  long  enjoyed,  should  now  be 
wrested  from  him,  it  would  be  flagrant  injustice. 

These  curiosities  we  have  imported  from  China, 
and  they  are  similar  to  those  which  were  some  time 
ago  brought  from  Africa. 

Will  martial  flames  for  ever  fire  thy  mind, 
And  wilt  thou  never  be  to  Heav'n  resign'd  ? 

5.  When  two  substantives  come  together,  and 
do  not  signify  the  same  thing,  the  first  of  them  must 
be  in  the  genitive  case. 

Such  is  the  constitution  of  men,  that  virtue,  how- 
ever it  may  be  neglected  for  a  time,  mil  ultimately 
be  acknowledged  and  respected. 

4.  The  crown  of  virtue  are  peace  and  honour. 
His  chief  occupation  and  enjoyment  was  contra" 
versv. 


•//edestroy'd. 


Or  won  to  what  may  work  his  utter  loss. 
All  this  will  soon  follow. 


-Whose  gray  top 


Shall  tremble,  he  descending. 

RULE    II. 
Grammar,  p.  14.3.     Exercises,  p. 

Idleness  and  ignorance  are  the  parents  oi  manv 
vices. 

B   5 


34  kev.  (Rule  2. 

Wisdom,  virtue,  happiness,  dwell  with  the  golden 
mediocrity. 

In  unity  consist  the  welfare  and  security  of  every 
society. 

Time  and  tide  wait  for  no  man. 

His  politeness  and  good  disposition  were,  on  failure 
of  their  effect,  entirely  changed. 

Patience  and  diligence,  like  faith,  remove  moun- 
tains. 

Humility  and  knowledge,  with  poor  apparel,  excel 
pride  and  ignorance  under  costly  attire. 

The  planetary  system,  boundless  space,  and  the 
immense  ocean,  affect  the  mind  with  sensations  of 
astonishment. 

Humility  and  love,  whatever  obscurities  may 
involve  religious  tenets,  constitute  the  essence  of  true 
religion. 

Religion  and  virtue,  our  best  support  and  highest 
honour,  confer  on  the  mind  principles  of  noble  in- 
dependence. 

What  signify  the  counsel  and  care  of  preceptors, 
when  youth  think  they  have  no  need  of  assistance  ? 

The  examples  which  fellow  are  suited  to  the  notes  and 
observations  under  rule  ii. 

Grammar,  p.  144.     Exercises,  p.  72. 

1.  Much  do  human  pride  and  self-complacency 
require  correction. 

Luxurious  living,  and  high  pleasures,  beget  a 
languor  and  satiety  that  destroy  all  enjoyment. 

Pride  and  self-sufficiency  stifle  sentiments  of  de- 
pendence on  our  Creator  :  levity  and  attachment  to 


Rule  2.)  syntax.  35 

worldly  pleasures,  destroy  the  sense  of  gratitude  to 
him. 


2.  Good  order  in  our  aftairs,  not  mean  savings, 
produces  great  profits. 

The  following  treatise,  together  with  those  that 
accompany  it,  was  written,  many  years  ago,  for  my 
own  private  satisfaction. 

That  great  senator,  in  concert  with  several  other 
eminent  persons,  uas  the  projector  of  the  revolu- 
tion. 

The  religion  of  these  people,  as  well  as  their  cus- 
toms and  manners,  was  strangely  misrepresented. 

Virtue,  joined  to  knowledge  and  wealth,  confers 
great  influence  and  respectability.  But  knowledge, 
with  wealth  united,  if  virtue  is  wanting,  has  a  very 
limited  influence,  and  is  often  despised. 

That  superficial  scholar  and  critic,  like  some  re- 
nowned critics  of  our  own,  has  furnished  most  de- 
cisive proofs,  that  he  knew  not  the  characters  of  tin 
Hebrew  language. 

The  buildings  of  the  institution  have  been  en- 
larged ;  the  expense  of  which,  added  to  the  in- 
creased price  of  provisions,  renders  it  necessary  t<> 
advance  the  terms  of  admission. 

One,  added  to  nineteen,  makes  twenty. — Better 
thus :   one  and  nineteen  make  twenty. 

What  black  despair,  what  horror,///  his  mind! 

3.  Thou,  and  the  gardener,  and  the  huntsman, 
must  share  the  blame  of  this  business  amongst  you. 

My  sister  and  I,  as  well  as  my  brother,  are  daily 
employed  in  our  respective  occupations. 

B  6 


36  key.  (Rule  3. 

RULE  III. 
Grammar,  p.  146.     Exercises,  p.  73. 

Man's  happiness,  or  misery,  is,  in  a  great  measure, 
put  into  his  own  hands. 

Man  is  not  such  a  machine  as  a  clock  or  a  watch, 
which  moves  merely  as  it  is  moved. 

Despise  no  infirmity  of  mind  or  body,  nor  any  con- 
dition of  life  :  for  it  is,  perhaps,  to  be  your  own  lot. 

Speaking  impatiently  to  servants,  or  any  thing  that 
betrays  unkindness  or  ill-humour,  is  certainly  criminal. 

There  are  many  faults  in  spelling,  which  neither 
analogy  nor  pronunciation  justifies. 

When  sickness,  infirmity,  or  reverse  of  fortune, 
affects  us,  the  sincerity  of  friendship  is  proved. 

Let  it  be  remembered,  that  it  is  not  the  uttering,, 
or  the  hearing  of  certain  words,  that  constitutes  the 
worship  of  the  Almighty. 

A  tart  reply,  a  proneness  to  rebuke,  or  a  captious 
and  contradictious  spirit,  is  capable  of  imbittering 
domestic  life,  and  of  setting  friends  at  variance. 

The  following  sentences  exemplify  the  notes  and  obser- 
vations under  rule  hi. 

Grammar,  p.  146.     Exercises,  p.  74. 

1.  Either  thou  or  I  am  greatly  mistaken,  in  our 
judgment  on  this  subject. 

I  or  thou  art  the  person  who  must  undertake,  the 
business  proposed. 

2.  One  or  both  of  the  scholars,  were  present  at  the 
transaction. 


Rule  ±.)  syntax.  37 

Some  parts  of  the  ship  and  cargo  were  recovered; 
but  neither  the  captain,  nor  the  sailors,  were  saved. 

Whether  one  person  or  more  than  one,  ivere  con- 
cerned in  the  business,  does  not  yet  appear. 

The  deceitfulness  of  riches,  or  the  cares  of  this 
life,  have  choked  the  seeds  of  virtue  in  many  a  pro- 
mising mind. 

rule  iv. 
Grammar,  p.  147.     Exercises,  p.  75. 

The  people  rejoice  in  that  which  should  give  them 
sorrow. 

The  flock,  and  not  the  fleece,  is,  or  ought  to  be, 
the  object  of  the  shepherd's  care. 

The  court  has  just  ended,  after  having  sat  through 
the  trial  of  a  very  long  cause. 

The  crowd  ivas  so  great,  that  the  judges  with 
difficulty  made  their  way  through  it. 

The  corporation  of  York  consists  of  a  mayor, 
aldermen,  and  a  common  council. 

The  British  parliament  is  composed  of  king,  lords, 
and  commons. 

When  the  nation  complains  the  rulers  should  lister. 
to  its  voice. 

In  the  days  of  youth,  the  multitude  eagerly  pwsue 
pleasure  as  their  chief  good. 

The  church  has  no  power  to  inflict  corporal  pu- 
nishment. 

The  fleet  was  seen  sailing  up  the  channel. 

The  regiment  consists  of  a  thousand  men. 

The  meeting  has  established  several  salulary  re- 
gulations. 


38  key.  (Rule  5. 

The  council  were  not  unanimous,  and  they  separated 
without  coming  to  any  determination. 

The  fleet  are  all  arrived  and  moored  in  safety. 

These  people  draw  near  to  me  with  their  mouth, 
and  honour  me  with  their  lips,  but  their  heart  is 
far  from  me. 

The  committee  were  divided  in  their  sentiments, 
and  they  have  referred  the  business  to  the  general 
meeting. 

The  committee  ivas  very  full  when  this  point  was 
decided;  and  its  judgment  has  not  been  called  in 
question. 

Why  does  this  generation  wish  for  greater  evidence, 
when  so  much  is  already  given  ? 

The  remnant  of  the  people  was  persecuted  with 
great  severity. 

Never  was  any  people  so  much  infatuated  as  the 
Jewish  nation. 

The  shoal  of  herrings  ivas  of  an  immense  extent. 

No  society  is  chargeable  with  the  disapproved 
misconduct  of  particular  members. 

rule  v. 
Grammar,  p.  148.     Exercises,  p.  76. 

The  exercise  of  reason  appears  as  little  in  these 
sportsmen,  as  in  the  beasts  which  they  sometimes 
hunt,  and  by  which  they  are  sometimes  hunted. 

They  who  seek  wisdom  will  certainly  find  her. 

The  male  amongst  birds  seems  to  discover  no 
beauty,  but  in  the  colour  of  his  species. 

Take  handfuls  of  ashes  of  the  furnace,  and  let 
Moses  sprinkle  them  towards  heaven,  in  the  sight  of 
Pharaoh ;  and  they  shall  become  small  dust. 


Rule  5.)  syntax. 

Rebecca  took  goodly  raiment,  which  uas  with 
her  in  the  house,  and  put  it  upon  Jacob. 

The  wheel  killed  another  man,  who  is  the  sixth 
that  has  lost  his  life,  by  this  means. 

The  fair  sex,  whose  task  is  not  to  mingle  in  the 
labours  of  public  life,  have  their  own  part  assigned 
them  to  act. 

The  Hercules  ship  of  war  foundered  at  sea;  she 
overset,  and  lost  most  of  her  men. 

The  mind  of  man  cannot  be  long  without  some 
food  to  nourish  the  activity  of  its  thoughts. 

What  is  the  reason  that  our  language  is  less  re- 
fined than  that  of  Italy,  Spain,  or  France  ? 

I  do  not  think  any  one  should  incur  censure  for 
being  tender  of  his  reputation. 

Thou  who  hast  been  a  witness  of  the  fact,  canst 

<rive  an  account  of  it. 

o 

In  religious  concerns,  or  those  which  are  conceived 
to  be  such,  every  man  must  stand  or  fall  by  the 
decision  of  the  Great  Judge. 

Something  like  what  has  been  here  premised,  U 
the  conjecture  of  Dryden. 

Tliou  threat  First  Cause,  least  understood! 

Who  all  my  sense  confin'd 
T.>  know  but  this,  that  thou  art  good, 

And  that  myself  am  blind : 
\         ;.     m    in  this  dark  estate,  Sec. 
"  <  'tmjmedst  or  didst  confine .-"  "  Gavett  or  di<L: 

What  rtrtthou,  speak,  that,  on  designs  unkn< 
While  ethers  sleep,  thus  range  the  camp  alom-. 
"  Ranges t  or  dosi  range." 


40  key.  (Rule  5. 

t 

The  following  examples  are  adapted  to  the  notes  and 
observations  under  rule  v. 

Grammar,  p.  149.     Exercises,  p.  78. 

1.  Whoever  entertains  such  an  opinion,  judges 
erroneously. 

The  cares  of  this  world  often  choke  the  growth  of 
virtue. 

Disappointments  and  afflictions,  however  disagree- 
able, often  improve  us. 

2.  Moses  was  the  meekest  man  that  we  read  of  in 
the  Old  Testament. 

Humility  is  one  of  the  most  amiable  virtues  that 
we  can  possess. 

They  are  the  same  persons  that  assisted  us  yesterday. 

The  men  and  things  that  he  has  studied  have  not 
improved  his  morals, 

3.  How  beautiful  soever  they  appear,  they  have  no 
real  merit. 

In  what  light  soever  we  view  him,  his  conduct  will 
bear  inspection. 

On  which  side  soever  they  are  contemplated,  they 
appear  to  advantage. 

How  much  soever  he  might  despise  the  maxims  of 
the  king's  administration,  he  kept  a  total  silence  on 
that  subject. 

4.  Which  of  those  two  persons  has  most  distin- 
guished himself? 

None  more  impatiently  suffer  injuries,  than  they 
who  are  most  forward  in  doing  them. 


Rule  5.)  syntax.  41 

5.  He  would  not  be  persuaded  that  I  was  not 
greatly  in  fault. 

These  commendations  of  his  children,  appear  to 
have  been  made  in  a  manner  which  is,  in  some  re- 
spects, injudicious :  or,  appear  to  be,  in  some  respects, 
injudicious. 

6.  He  instructed  and  fed  the  crowds  that  sur- 
rounded him. 

Sidney  was  one  of  the  wisest  and  most  active  go- 
vernors, that  Ireland  had  enjoyed  for  several  years. 

He  was  the  ablest  minister  that  James  ever  pos- 
sessed. 

The  court,  which  gives  currency  to  manners,  ought 
to  be  exemplary. 

I  am  happy  in  the  friend  whom  I  have  long  proved. 

7.  The  child  that  we  have  just  seen,  is  wholesomely 
fed,  and  not  injured  by  bandages  or  clothing. 

He  is  like  a  beast  of  prey,  that  destroys  without 
pity. 

8.  Having  once  disgusted  him,  he  could  never  re- 
gain the  favour  of  Nero,  whose  name  was  but  another 
word  for  cruelty. 

Flattery,  the  nature  of  which  is  to  deceive  and  be- 
tray, should  be  avoided  as  the  poisonous  adder. 
Which  of  those  men  came  to  his  assistance? 

9.  The  king,  who  had  never  before  committed  so 
unjust  an  action,  dismissed  his  minister  without  any 
inquiry. 

There   are   in  the  empire  of  China,    millions  oi 


42  key.  (Rule  6. 

people,  whose  support  is  derived  almost  entirely  from 
rice. 

10.  His  continual  endeavours  to  serve  us,  notwith- 
standing our  ingratitude,  are  remarkable.  Or — It  is 
remarkable,  that  he  is  continually  endeavouring  to  serve 
us,  notwithstanding  our  ingratitude. 

His  assertion,  though  paradoxical,  is  indisputably 
true.     Or — Though  a  paradox,  his  assertion,  &c. 

11.  Ah!  unhappy  thou  who  art  deaf  to  the  calls 
of  duty,  and  of  honour. 

Oh !  happy  us,  surrounded  with  so  many  blessings. 

RULE  VI. 
Grammar,  p.  153.     Exercises,  p.  80. 

We  are  dependent  on  each  other's  assistance:  ivho 
is  there  that  can  subsist  by  himself? 

If  he  will  not  hear  his  best  friend,  who  shall  be 
sent  to  admonish  him  ? 

They,  to  whom  much  is  given,  will  have  much  to 
answer  for. 

* 

It  is  not  to  be  expected  that  they,  who,  in  early 
life,  have  been  dark  and  deceitful,  should  afterwards 
become  fair  and  ingenuous. 

They  who  have  laboured  to  make  us  wise  and 
good,  are  the  persons  whom  we  ought  to  love  and  re- 
spect, and  to  whom  we  ought  to  be  grateful. 

The  persons,  whom  conscience  and  virtue  support, 
may  smile  at  the  caprices  of  fortune. 

From  the  character  of  those  with  whom  you  asso- 
ciate, your  own  will  be  estimated. 


Rule  1.)  SYNTAX.  43 

That  is  the  student  to  whom  I  gave  the  book,  and, 
who,  I  am  persuaded,  deserves  it. 

I.  Of  whom  were  the  articles  bought?  Of  a  mer- 
cer; him  who  resides  near  the  mansion  house. 

Was  any  person  besides  the  mercer  present?  Yes, 
both  he  and  his  clerk. 

To  whom  was  the  money  paid?  To  the  mercer  and 
his  clerk. 

Who  counted  it?  Both  the  clerk  and  he. 


RULE  VII. 
Grammar,  p.  155.     Exercises,  p.  81. 

I  acknowledge  that  I  am  the  teacher,  who  adopt 
that  sentiment,  and  maintain  the  propriety  of  such 
measures.  Or — that  I,  who  adopt  that  sentiment,  and 
maintain,  &c. 

Thou  art  a  friend  that  has  often  relieved  me,  and 
that  has  not  deserted  me  now  in  the  time  of  peculiar 
need.  Or — Thou,  who  hast  often  relieved  me,  and 
who  hast  not,  &.c. 

I  am  the  man  who  approves  of  wholesome  disci- 
pline, and  who  recommends  it  to  others;  but  I  am 
not  a  person  who  promotes  useless  severity,  or  who 
objects  to  mild  and  generous  treatment. 

I   perceive  that  thou  art  a  pupil,  who  post 
bright  parts,   but  who  has  cultivated  them  but  little. 

Thou  art  he  who  breathes  on  the  earth  with  the 
breath  of  spring,  and  who  covers  it  with  verdure 
and  beauty. 

I  am  the  Lord  thy  God,  who  teaches  thee  to  pro- 
fit, and  who  leads  thee  by  the  way  thou  shouldst  go. 


44  key.  (Rule  8. 

Thou  art  the  Lord  who  didst  clwose  Abraham,  and 
broughtest  him  forth  out  of  Ur  of  the  Chaldees. 
Or — Thou  who  didst  choose  Abraham,  &c. 

RULE  VIII. 
Grammar,  p.  156.     Exercises,  p.  82. 

This  kind  of  indulgence  softens  and  injures  the 
mind. 

Instead  of  improving  yourselves,  you  have  been 
playing  these  two  hours. 

That  sort  of  favours  did  real  injury,  under  the 
appearance  of  kindness. 

The  chasm  made  by  the  earthquake  was  twenty 
feet  broad,  and  one  hundred  fathoms  in  depth. 

How  many  sorrows  should  we  avoid,  if  we  were 
not  industrious  to  make  them ! 

He  saw  one  person,  or  more  than  one,  enter  the 
garden. 

The  examples  which  follow,  are  suited  to  the  notes  and 
observations  under  rule  viii. 

Grammar,  p.  156.     Exercises,  p.  82. 
I.  ADJECTIVE  PRONOUNS. 

1.  Charles  was  extravagant,  and,  by  this  means, 
became  poor  and  despicable. 

It  was  by  that  ungenerous  means  that  he  obtained 
his  end. 

Industry  is  the  means  of  obtaining  competency. 

Though  a  promising  measure,  it  is  a  means  which 
I  cannot  adopt. 

This  person  embraced  every  opportunity  to  dis.- 


Rule  8.)  syntax.  45 

play  his  talents  ;  and  by  this  means  rendered  him- 
self ridiculous. 

Joseph  was  industrious,  frugal,  and  discreet;  and 
by  these  means  obtained  property  and  reputation. 

2.  Religion  raises  men  above  themselves;  irre- 
ligion  sinks  them  beneath  the  brutes:  this,  binds 
them  down  to  a  poor  pitiable  speck  of  perishable 
earth ;  that,  opens  to  them  a  prospect  to  the  skies. 

More  rain  falls  in  the  first  two  summer  months, 
than  in  the  first  two  winter  ones:  but  it  makes  a 
much  greater  show  upon  the  earth  in  these  than  in 
those;  because  there  is  a  much  slower  evaporation. 

Rex  and  Tyrannus  are  of  very  different  characters. 
The  one  rules  his  people  by  laws  to  which  they  con- 
sent; the  other,  by  his  absolute  will  and  power: 
that  is  called  freedom,  this,  tyranny. 

3.  Each  of  them,  in  his  turn,  receives  the  benefits 
to  which  he  is  entitled. 

My  counsel  to  each  of  you  is,  that  he  make  it 
his  endeavour  to  come  to  a  friendly  agreement. 

By  discussing  what  relates  to  each  particular,  in 
its  order,  we  shall  better  understand  the  subject. 

Every  person,  whatever  be  his  station,  is  bound 
by  the  duties  of  morality  and  religion. 

Every  leaf,  every  twig,  every  drop  of  water,  teems 
with  life. 

Every  man's  heart  and  temper  are  productive  of 
much  inward  joy  or  bitterness. 

Whatever  he  undertakes,  either  his  pride  or  his 
folly  disgusts  us. 


46*  key.  ( Rule  8. 

Every  man  and  every  woman  was  numbered*. 

Neither  of  those  men  seems  to  have  any  idea,  that 
his  opinions  may  be  ill-founded. 

When  benignity  and  gentleness  reign  within,  we 
are  always  least  in  hazard  from  without :  every  per- 
son, and  every  occurrence,  is  beheld  in  the  most 
favourable  light. 

On  each  side  of  the  river  was  there  the  tree  of  life. 

II.  ADJECTIVES. 

4.  She  reads  properly,  writes  very  neatly,  and  com- 
poses accurately. 

He  was  extremely  prodigal,  and  his  property  is  now 
nearly  exhausted. 

They  generally  succeeded ;  for  they  lived  con- 
formably to  the  rules  of  prudence. 

We  may  reason  very  clearly,  and  exceeding 
strongly,  without  knowing  that  there  is  such  a  thing 
as  a  syllogism. 

*  The  copulative  conjunction,  in  this  instance,  makes  no 
difference  with  regard  to  the  verb.  All  the  men  and  women 
are  referred  to  separately  and  individually:  the  verb  must 
therefore  have  the  same  construction  as  it  has  in  the  fol- 
lowing sentence:  "Every  one  of  the  men  and  women  was 
numbered."  This  construction  forms  an  exception  to  the 
second  Rule  of  Syntax. 

Another  exception  to  this  second  rule,  is,  when  a  copu- 
lative conjunction  connects  two  or  more  nouns,  which  refer 
to  the  same  person  or  thing :  as,  "  That  able  scholar  and 
critic  has  been  eminently  useful." 

See  the  Octavo  Grammar,  third  edition,  second  volume, 
pages  322,  323. 


Rule  8.)  syntax.  47 

He   had  many  virtues,  and  was  exceedingly  be- 
loved. 

The  amputation  was  exceedingly  well  performed, 
and  saved  the  patient's  life. 

He  came  agreeably  to  his  promise,  and  conducted 
himself  suitably  to  the  occasion. 

He  speaks  very  Jlucntly,  and  reads  excellently;  but 
he  does  not  think  very  coherently. 

He  behaved  himself  submissively,  and  was  ex- 
ceedingly careful  not  to  give  offence. 

They  rejected  the  advice,  and  conducted  them- 
selves exceeding  indiscreetly. 

He  is  a  person  of  great  abilities,  and  exceedingly 
upright :  and  is  likely  to  be  a  very  useful  member  of 
the  community. 

The  conspiracy  was  the  more  easily  discovered, 
from  its  being  known  to  many. 

Not  being  fully  acquainted  with  the  subject,  he 
could  not  affirm  more  strongly  than  he  did. 

He  was  so  deeply  impressed  with  the  subject,  that 
few  could  speak  more  nobly  upon  it. 

We  may  credit  his  testimony,  for  he  says  expressly, 
that  he  saw  the  transaction. 

Use  a  little  wine  for  thy  stomach's  sake,  and  thy 
frequent  infirmities. 

From  these  favourable  beginnings,  we  may  hope 
for  a  speedy  and  prosperous  issue. 

He  addressed  several  exhortations  to  them  suitable 
to  their  circumstances. 

Conformable  to  their  vehemence  of  thought,  was 
their  vehemence  of  gesture. 

We  should  implant  in  the  minds  of  youth,   such 


43  key.  (Rule  8. 

seeds  and  principles  of  piety  and  virtue,  as  are  likely 
to  take  the  earliest  and  deepest  root. 

A  disposition  so  amiable  will  secure  universal  re- 
gard. 

Virtues  so  distinguished  seldom  occur. 

5.  It  is  easier  to  build  two  chimneys  than  to  main- 
tain one. 

The  tongue  is  like  a  race-horse;  which  runs  the 
faster  the  less  weight  it  carries. 

The  pleasures  of  the  understanding  are  preferable 
to  those  of  the  imagination,  or  of  sense. 

The  nightingale  sings  :  hers  is  the  sweetest  voice 
in  the  grove. 

The  Most  High  hath  created  us  for  his  glory,  and 
our  own  happiness. 

The  Supreme  Being  is  the  wisest,  the  most  power* 
ful,  and  the  best  of  beings. 

G.  Virtue  confers  supreme  dignity  on  man;  and 
should  be  his  chief  desire. 

His  assertion  was  better  founded  than  that  of  his 
opponent;  nay,  the  words  of  the  latter  were  not  true. 

His  work  is  well  executed;  his  brother's  still  better; 
and  his  father's  the  best  of  all. 

He  gave  a  full  and  sincere  proof  of  true  friendship. 
Or — He  gave  the  strongest  proof  of  warm  and  gamine 
friendship. 

7.  A  talent  of  this  kind  would,  perhaps,  prove  the 
likeliest  of  all  to  succeed.  Or — prove  more  likely 
than  any  other  to  succeed. 


Rule  9.)  syntax.  49 

He  is  the  stronger  of  the  two,  but  not  the  wiser. 

He  spoke  with  so  much  propriety,  that  I  under- 
stood him  the  best  of  all  who  spoke  on  the  subject. 
Or — better  than  any  other  who  spoke  on  the  subject. 

Eve  was  fairer  than  any  of  her  daughters. 

S.  He  spoke  in  a  manner  distinct  enough  to  be 
heard  by  the  whole  assembly.  Or — He  spoke  dis- 
tinctly enough  to  be  heard  by  the  whole  assembly. 

Thomas  is  equipped  with  a  pair  of  new  shoes,  ami 
a  pair  of  new  gloves :  he  is  the  servant  of  a  rich  old 
man. 

The  first  two  in  the  row  are  cherry-trees,  the  other 
two  are  pear-trees. 

RULE   IX. 

Grammar,  p.  166.     Exercises,  p.  36. 

Fire,  air,  earth,  and  water,  are  the  four  elements 
of  philosophers. 

Reason  was  given  to  man  to  control  his  passions. 

We  have  within  us  an  intelligent  principle,  distinct 
from  the  body  and  from  matter. 

Man  is  the  noblest  work  of  the  creation. 

The  wisest  and  the  best  men  sometimes  commit 
errors. 

Beware  of  drunkenness:  it  impairs  the  understand- 
ing; wastes  the  estate ;  destroys  reputation;  consumes 
the  body;  and  renders  a  man  of  the  brightest  parts 
a  common  jest  of  the  meanest  clown. 

He  is  a  much  better  writer  than  reader. 

The  king  has  conferred  on  him  the  title  of  duke. 

C 


5(  *  key.  (Rule  9, 

There  are  some  evils  of  life,  which  equally  affect 
the  prince  and  the  people. 

We  must  act  our  part  with  constancy,  though  the 
reward  of  our  constancy  be  distant. 

We  are  placed  here  under  the  trial  of  our  virtue. 

Virtues  like  his  are  not  easily  acquired.  Such 
qualities  honour  the  nature  of  man. 

Purity  has  its  seat  in  the  heart;  but  extends  its 
influence  over  so  much  of  the  outward  conduct,  as  to 
form  a  great  and  material  part  of  the  character. 

A  profligate  man  is  seldom  or  never  found  to 
be  a  good  husband,  a  good  father,  or  a  beneficent 
neighbour.   ' 

True  charity  is  not  a  meteor,  which  occasionally 
glares;  but  a  luminary,  which,  in  its  orderly  and 
regular  course,  dispenses  a  benignant  influence. 

The  following  sentences  exemplify  the  notes  and  observa- 
tions under  rule  ix. 

Grammar,  p.  167.     Exercises,  p.  88. 

1.  He  has  been  much  censured  for  conducting 
himself  with  little  attention  to  his  business. 

So  bold  a  breach  of  order,  called  for  a  little  seve- 
rity in  punishing  the  offender. 

His  error  was  accompanied  with  so  little  contrition 
and  candid  acknowledgment,  that  he  found  few  per- 
sons to  intercede  for  him. 

There  were  so  many  mitigating  circumstances 
attending  his  misconduct,  particularly  that  of  his 
open  confession,  that  he  found  a  few  friends  who  were 
disposed  to  interest  themselves  in  his  favour. 

I 


Rule   10.)  SYNTAX.  51 

As  his  misfortunes  were  the  fruit  of  Ills  own  ob- 
nacy,  few  persons  pitied  him. 

2.  The  fear  of  shame,  and  the  desire  of  approba- 
tion, prevent  many  bad  actions. 

In  this  business  he  was  influenced  by  a  just  and 

enerous  principle. 

He  was  fired  with  the  desire  of  doing  something, 
hough  he  knew  not  yet,  with  distinctness,  either 
the  end  or  the  means. 

>.  At  the  worst,  I  could  but  incur  a  gentle  repri- 
mand. 

At  the  best,  his  gift  was  but  a  poor  offering,  when 
we  consider  his  estate. 

rule  x. 
Grammar,  p.  169.     Exercises,  p.  83. 

My  ancestor's  virtue  is  not  mine. 
His  brother's  offence  will  not  condemn  him. 
I  will  not  destroy  the  city  for  ten's  sake. 
Nevertheless,  Asa's  heart  was   perfect   with  the 
Lord. 

A  mother's  tenderness  and  a  father's  care,  are  na- 
ire's  %ift&  for  man's  advantage. 
A  man's  manners  frequently  influence  his  fortune. 
Wisdom's  precepts  form    the    good   man's  interest 
I  happim 


They  slew  Varus,  him  that  was  mentioned  before. 
They  slew  Varus,  who  was  he  that  I  mentioned 
before. 

C2 


52  key.  (Rule  10. 

The  following  examples  are  adapted  to  the  notes  and 
observations  under  rule  x. 

Grammar,  p.  170.     Exercises,  p.  89. 

1.  The  anniversary  of  King  William  and  Queen 
Mary's  accession  to  the  throne. 

The  house  was  Joseph  and  Robert's  property. 

On  this  trial,  the  judges  and  the  jury's  senti- 
ments, were  at  variance. 

The  captain  and  mate's,  as  well  as  the  seamen's 
exertions,  brought  the  vessel,  under  Providence,, 
safely  into  port. 

2.  The  witness's  evidence  was  decisive. 
Moses's  rod  was  turned  into  a  serpent. 

For  Herodiass  sake,  his  brother  Philips  wife. 
If  ye  suffer  for  righteousness*  sake,  happy  are  ye. 
Ye  should  be  subject  for  conscience*  sake. 

3.  They  very  justly  condemned  the  senseless  and 
extravagant  conduct  of  the  Prodigal,  as  he  ivas  called* 

They  implicitly  obeyed  the  imperious  mandates 
of  him  whom  they  called  their  protector. 

4.  I  bought  the  knives  at  Johnson's,  the  cutler. 
The  silk  was  purchased  at  Brown's,   the  mercer 

and  haberdasher. 

The  tent  of  Lord  Feversham  the  general. 

This  palace  had  been  the  grand  sultan  Mahomet's. 

I  will  not  for  David  thy  father's  sake. 

He  took  refuge  at  the  governor's,  the  king's  re- 
presentative* 


Rule  10.)  syntax.  53 

Whose  works  are  these?  Thev  are  Cicero's,  the 
most  eloquent  of  men. 

5.  The  government  0f  the  world  is  not  left-  to 
chance. 

She  married  the  brother  of  my  son's  wife.  Or — my 
son's  brother-in-law. 

This  house  belongs  to  the  partner  of  my  wife's 
b  rot her. 

It  was  necessary  to  have  the  advice  both  of  the 
physician  and  the  surgeon. 

The  extent  of  the  king  of  England's  prerogative  is 
sufficiently  ascertained. 

6.  This  picture  of  the  king  does  not  much  re- 
semble him. 

These  pictures  of  the  king's  were  sent  to  him  from 
Italy.     Or — These  pictures  belonging  to  the  king,  6cc. 

This  estate  of  the  corporation  is  much  encum- 
bered. 

That  is  the  eldest  son  of  the  king  of  England. 
Or — The  King  of  England's  eldest  son. 

7.  What  can  be  the  cause  of  the  parliament's  neg- 
lecting so  important  a  business? 

Much  depends  on  this  rule's  being  observed. 

The  time  of  William's  making  the  experiment,  at 
length  arrived. 

It  is  very  probable  that  this  assembly  was  called, 
to  clear  some  doubt  which  the  king  had,  about  the 
lawfulness  of  the  Hollanders'  throwing  off  the  mo- 
narchy of  Spain,  and  withdrawing,  entirely,  their 
allegiance  to  that  crown. 

C3 


54  key.  (Rule  11. 

If  we  alter  the  situation  of  any  of  the  words,  we 
shall  presently  be  sensible  of  the  melody  s  suffering. 

Such  will  ever  be  the  effect  of  youth's  associating 
with  vicious  companions. 

RULE  XI. 
Grammar,  p.  175.     Exercises,  p.  91. 

They  whom  opulence  has  made  proud,  and  whom 
luxury  has  corrupted,  cannot  relish  the  simple  plea- 
sures of  nature. 

You  have  reason  to  dread  his  wrath,  which  one  day 
will  destroy  you  both. 

Whom  have  I  reason  to  love  so  much  as  this  friend 
of  my  youth  ? 

You,  who  were  dead,  hath  he  quickened, 

Whom  did  they  entertain  so  freely  ? 

The  man  whom  he  raised  from  obscurity,  is  dead. 

You  only  have  I  known  of  all  the  families  of  the 
earth. 

Him  and  them  we  know,  but  who  are  you  ? 

Her  that  is  idle  and  mischievous,  reprove  sharply. 

Whom  did  they  send  to  him  on  so  important  an 
errand? 

That  is  the  friend  whom  you  must  receive  cordially, 
and  whom  you  cannot  esteem  too  highly. 

He  invited  my  brother  and  me  to  see  and  examine 
his  library. 

Him  who  committed  the  offence,  you  should  cor- 
rect, not  me  who  am  innocent. 

We  should  fear  and  obey  the  Author  of  our  being, 
even  Him  who  has  power  to  reward  or  punish  us  tor 
ever. 


Rule  11.)  syntax.  55 

Them  whom  he  had  most  injured,  he  had  the 
greatest  reason  to  love. 

The  examples  which  follow,  are  suited  to  the  notes  and 

observations  under  rule  XI. 

Grammar,  p.  176.     Exercises,  p.  92. 

1.  Though  he  now  takes  pleasure  in  them,  lie  will 
one  day  repent  of  indulgences  so  unwarrantable. 

The  nearer  his  virtues  approached  to  the  great 
example  before  him,  the  humbler  he  grew. 

It  will  be  very  difficult  to  make  his  conduct  agree 
with  the  principles  he  professes. 

2.  To  ingratiate  ourselves  with  some,  by  traducing 
others,  marks  a  base  and  despicable  mind. 

I  shall  premise  two  or  three  genera-1  observations. 

3.  If  such  maxims,  and  such  practices  prevail, 
what  is  become  of  decency  and  virtue? 

I  am  come  according  to  the  time  proposed;  but 
I  am  fallen  upon  an  evil  hour. 

The  mighty  rivals  have  now  at  length  agreed. 

The  influence  of  his  corrupt  example  had  then 
entirely  ceased. 

He  had  entered  into  the  connexion,  before  the 
[uences  were  considered. 

k  Well  may  you  be  afraid;   it  is  he  indeed. 

J  would  act  the  same  part  if  1  were  he,  or  in  his 
situation. 

-Search  the  .Scriptures;    for  in  them   ye  think 

have  eternal  life:    and  they  are  they  which   test 

of  me. 

C4 


50  key.  (Rule  12. 

Be  composed :  it  is  J:  you  have  no  cause  for  fear. 

I  cannot  tell  who  has  befriended  me,  unless  it  is 
he  from  whom  I  have  received  many  benefits. 

I  know  not  whether  they  were  the  persons  who  con- 
ducted  the  business;  but  I  am  certain  it  was  not  he. 

He  so  much  resembled  my  brother,  that,  at  first 
sight,  I  took  it  to  be  him. 

After  all  their  professions,  is  it  possible  to  be 
they  ? 

It  could  not  have  been  she,  for  she  always  behaves 
discreetly. 

If  it  was  not  he,  whom  do  you  imagine  it  to  have 
been? 

Whom  do  you  think  him  to  be  ? 

Who  do  the  people  say  that  we  are  ? 

5.  Whatever  others  do,  let  thee  and  me  act  wisely. 
Let  them  and  us  unite  to   oppose   this  growing 
evil. 

RULE  XII. 
Grammar,  p.  178.     Exercises,  p.  S4. 

It  is  better  to  live  on  a  little,  than  to  outlive  a 
great  deal. 

You  ought  not  to  walk  too  hastily. 

I  wish  him  not  to  wrestle  with  his  happiness. 

I  need  not  solicit  him  to  do  a  kind  action. 

I  dare  not  proceed  so  hastily,  lest  I  should  give 
offence. 

I  have  seen  some  young  persons  conduct  them- 
selves very  discreetly. 


Rule  13.)  syntax.  57 

The  following  sentences  exemplify  the  notes  and  obser- 
vations under  rule  xii. 

Grammar,  p.  178.     Exercises,  p.  94. 

!.  It  is  a  great  support  to  virtue,  when  we  see  a 
good  mind  maintain  its  patience  and  tranquillity, 
under  injuries  and  affliction,  and  cordially  forgive  its 
oppressors. 

It  is  the  difference  of  their  conduct,   which  mat 
us  approve  the  one,  and  reject  the  other. 

To  see  young  persons,  who  are  courted  by  health 
and  pleasure,  resist  all  the  allurements  of  vice,  and 
steadily  pursue  virtue  and  knowledge,  is  cheering 
and  delightful  to  every  good  mind. 

2.  We  should  not  be  like  many  persons,  uho  depre- 
ciate the  virtues  they  do  not  possess. 

They  acted  with  so  much  reserve,  that  some  per- 
sons doubted  their  sincerity. 

May  we  always  act  uprightly,  doing  that  which 
conscience  approves. 


RILE  XIII. 
Grammar,  p.  179.     Exercises,  p.  93. 

The  next  new  year's  day,    I  shall    have   bct-n   at 
school  three  years. 

He  lately  lost  a  dear  and  only  son. 

I  should  be  obliged  to  him,   if  lit-  would  gratify  me 
in  that  particular. 

He  was  formerly  very  disorderly;    but   this  year, 
to  the  present  time,  he  has  been  decent  and  regular. 

C5 


58  key.  (Rule  13. 

We  should  respect  these  persons,  because  they 
have  continued  long  attached  to  us. 

In  the  treasury  belonging  to  the  Cathedral  in  this 
city,  has  been  preserved  with  the  greatest  veneration, 
for  upwards  of  six  hundred  years,  a  dish  which  they 
pretend  to  be  made  of  emerald. 

The  court  of  Rome  gladly  laid  hold  on  all  the  op- 
portunities, which  the  imprudence,  weakness,  or  ne- 
cessities of  princes,  afforded  it,  to  extend  its  authority, 

Fierce  as  he  moves,  his  silver  shafts  resound. 

They  maintained  that  scripture  conclusion,  thai 
all  mankind  have  risen  from  one  head. 

John  will  have  earned  his  wages,  when  his  service 
shall  be  completed. 

Be  wise  and  good,  that  you  may  be  happv. 

Be  that  as  it  may,  he  cannot  justify  his  conduct. 

I  have  been  at  London  a  year,  and  I  saw  the  king 
last  summer. 

After  we  had  visited  London,  we  returned,  content 
and  thankful,  to  our  retired  and  peaceful  habitation. 

The  folloiving  examples  are  adapted  to  the  notes  and 
observations  under  rule  xiii. 

Grammar,  p.  181.     Exercises,  p.  96. 

].  I  purpose  to  go  to  London  in  a  few  months,  and 
after  I  shall  have  finished  my  business  there,  to  pro- 
ceed to  America. 

These  prosecutions  of  William  seem  to  have  been 
the  most  iniquitous  measures  pursued  by  the  court, 


Rule  13.)  syntax.  5u 

during  the  time  that  the  use  of  parliaments  was  sus- 
pended. 

From  the  little  conversation  I  had  with  him,  lie 
appeared  to  be  a  man  of  letters. 

I  always  intended  to  reward  my  son  according  to 
his  merit. 

It  would,  on  reflection,  have  given  me  great  satis- 
faction, to  have  relieved  him  from  that  distress)  d 
situation. 

It  required  so  much  care,  that  I  thought  1  should 
lose  it  before  I  reached  home. 

We  have  done  no  more  than  it  was  our  duty  to 
do. 

He  would  have  assisted  one  of  his  friends,  if  he 
could  have  done  it  without  injuring  the  other ;  but 
as  that  could  not  ta  done,  he  avoided  all  interference. 

Might  it  not  haze  6ee»*expected,  that  he  would 
defend  an  authority,  which  had  been  so  long  exer- 
cised without  controversy  ? 

These  enemies  of  Christianity  were  confounded, 
whilst  they  were  expecting  to  find  an  opportunity 
to  betray  its  author. 

His  sea  sickness  was  so  great,  that  I  often  feared 
he  would  die  before  our  arrival. 

If  these  persons  had   intended   to  deceive,     t1 
would  have  taken  care  to  avoid  what  would  havi  ,  ,  - 
them  to  the  objections  of  their  opponents. 

It  was  a  pleasure  to  receive  his  approbation  ol  my 
labour^;    for  which  I  cordially  thanked  him. 

It  would  have  atlbrded  me  stijl  greater  pleasure, 
to  httve  received  his  approbation  at  an  earlu  r  per 
but  to  have  received  it  at  all,   reflected  credit  upon 

C  o 


60  key.  (Rule  13. 

To  have  been  censured  by  him,  would  soon  have 
proved  an  insuperable  discouragement. 

Him  portion'd  maids,  apprentic'd  orphans  blest, 
The  young  who  labour,  and  the  old  who  rest. 
"  Laboured  and  rested." 

The  doctor,  in  his  lecture,  said,  that  fever  always 
produces  thirst  *. 


*  In  referring  to  declarations  of  this  nature,  the  present 
tense  must  be  used,  if  the  position  is  immutably  the  same 
at  all  times,  or  supposed  to  be  so:  as,  "The  bishop  de- 
clared, that  virtue  is  alwaj^s  advantageous :"  not,  "  was 
always  advantageous." — But  if  the  assertion  referred  to 
something  that  is  not  always  the  same,  or  supposed  to  be 
so,  the  past  tense  must  be  applied  :  as,  "George  said,  that 
he  was  very  happy:"  not,  "wvery  happy."  The  following 
sentences  will  fully  exemplify,  to  the  young  grammarian, 
both  the  parts  of  this  rule.  "  He  declared  to  us,  that  he 
was  afraid  of  no  man;  because  conscious  innocence  gives 
firmness  of  mind."—"  He  protested,  that  he  believed  what 
was  said,  because  it  appeared  to  him  probable." — "Charles 
asserted,  that  it  was  his  opinion,  that  men  always  succeed, 
when  they  use  precaution  and  pains."— "The  doctor  de- 
clared to  his  audience,  that  if  virtue  suffers  some  pains,  she. 
is  amply  recompensed  by  the  pleasures  which  attend  her." 

If  the  preceding  rule  should  not  be  completely  applicable 
to  every  case  which  ingenuity  may  state,  the  author  pre- 
sumes that  it  will  be  found  very  generally  useful. 

Though  we  have,  in  the  notes  under  the  thirteenth  rule  of 
the  Grammar,  explained  in  general  the  principles,  on  which 
the  time  of  a  verb  in  the  infinitive  mood  may  be  ascer- 
tained, and  its  form  determined;  yet  as  the  subject  is 
curious  and  important,  and  the  practice  of  good  writers 
upon  it,  is  very  discordant,  we  presume  it  will  not  be  un- 
acceptable 


Rule  14.)  syntax.  6! 

RULE  XIV. 
Grammar,  p.  183.     Exercises,  p.  97. 

Esteeming  themselves  wise,  they  became  fools. 

Suspecting  not  only  you,  but  them  also,  I  was  stu- 
dious to  avoid  all  intercourse. 

I  could  not  avoid  considering,  in  some  degree,  them 
as  enemies  to  me;   and  him  as  a  suspicious  friend. 


acceptable  to  the  young  student  of  grammar,  if  we  produce 
a  few  additional  observations  calculated  to  settle  his  jttdg- 
ment  on  this  contested  point. 

The  following  rule,  founded  on  the  authorities  of  Bishop 
Lowth  and  Dr.  Campbell,  and  we  think  too,  on  the  authority 
of  common  sense,  appears  to  be  accurate,  as  well  as  simple 
and  intelligible.  "  When  the  action  or  event  signified  by  a 
verb  in  the  infinitive  mood,  is  contemporary  or  future,  with 
respect  to  the  verb  to  which  it  is  chiefly  related,  the  present 
of  the  infinitive  is  required  :  when  it  is  not  contemporary 
nor  future,  the  perfect  of  the  infinitive  is  necessary."  Tq 
comprehend  and  apply  this  rule,  the  Btudent  has  only  to 
consider,  whether  the  infinitive  verb  refers  to  a  time  ante- 
cedent, contemporary,  or  future,  with  regard  to  the  govern- 
ing or  related  verb.  When  this  simple  point  i>  ascertained, 
there  will  be  no  doubt  in  his  mind,  respecting  the  form 
which  the  infinitive  verb  should  have.  Two  or  three  ex- 
amples may  illiterate  these  positions.  If  I  wish  to  signify, 
that  I  rejoiced  at  a  particular  time,  in  recollecting  the  sight 
of  a  friend,  some  time  having  intervened  between  the  *<  i  - 
ing  and  the  rejoicing,  I  should  express  myself  thus:  "J 
rejoiced  to  have  seen  my  friend. "     The   >  .  in   this  cat 

was  evidently  antecedent  to  the  rejoicing;  and  therefore  t he- 
verb  which  expresses  the  former,  must  be  in  the  perfect  ol 
the  infinitive.    The  same  meaning  may  be  expressed  in  a 

differ*  itt 


62  key.  (Rule  14. 

From  having  exposed  himself  too  freely  in  diffe- 
rent climates,  he  entirely  lost  his  health. 


The  examples  which  follow,  are  suited  to  the  notes  and 
observations  under  rule  xiv. 

Grammar,  p.  184.     Exercises,  p.  98. 

1 .  By  observing  truth,  you  will  command  esteem, 
as  well  as  secure  peace. 


different  form:  "  I  rejoiced  that  I  had  seen  my  friend;"  or, 
"in  having  seen  my  friend :"  and  the  student  may,  at  any 
time,  try  the  propriety  of  a  doubtful  point  of  this  nature,  by 
converting  the  phrase  into  its  correspondent  forms  of  ex- 
pression. 

If,  on  the  contrary,  1  wish  to  signify,  that  I  rejoiced  at  the 
sight  of  my  friend,  that  my  joy  and  his  presence  were  con- 
temporary, I  should  say,  "I  rejoiced  to  see  my  friend ;"  or, 
in  other  words,  "  I  rejoiced  in  seeing  my  friend."  The  cor- 
rectness of  this  form  of  the  infinitive  may  also  be  tried,  by 
converting  the  phrase  into  its  correspondent  modes  of  ex- 
pression. 

As  the  verbs  to  desire  and  to  rvish,  are  nearly  related,  the 
young  student  may  naturally  suppose,  from  the  rule  at 
page  181  of  the  Grammar,  that  the  latter  verb,  like  the 
former,  must,  invariably  be  followed  by  the  present  of  the 
infinitive.  But  if  he  reflect,  that  the  act  of  desiring  always 
refers  to  the  future;  and  that  the  act  of  wishing  refers  some- 
times to  the  past,  as  well  as  sometimes  to  the  future;  he 
will  perceive  that  the  following  modes  of  expression  are 
strictly  justifiable:  "I  wished  that  J  had  written  sooner," 
"  I  wished  to  have  written  sooner:"  and  he  will  be  perfectly 
sati-fie.d  that  the  following  phrases  must  be  improper:  "I 
desire  that  I    had    written    sooner,"    "  I  desire    to    have 

written 


Rule  14. J  SYNTAX. 


6.3 


He  prepared  them  for  this  event,  by  sending 
them  proper  information. 

A  person  maybe  great  or  rich  by  chance;   but 
cannot  be  wise  or  good,  without  taking  pains  for  it. 

Nothing  could    have    made    her   so  unhappy, 
marrying   a   man   who   possessed    such     principles. 
Or — the  marrying  of  a  man,  &c. 

The  changing  of  times  and  seasons,  the  removing 
and  setting  up  of  kings,  belong  to  Providence  alone. 


written   sooner."— See,  on  these  subjects,  the  Octavo  Gram- 
mar, vol.  I,  pages  275  to  284. 

It   may    possibly    be    alleged,   that    the    sentence,    "  £ 
intend    to    have     written,"    is     correct    and    grammatical. 
because    it    simply    denotes    the    speaker's     intention    t< 
be    hereafter    in    possession    of  the    finished     action     oi 
writing.     Butto  this  reasoning  the  following  answers   may 
be  given:  that  the  phrase  "to  have  written"   is   stated,  in 
English  grammars,   as  the   established  past  tense  of  the 
infinitive  mood;  that  it  is  as  incontrovertibly  the  past  tens 
of  the  infinitive  in    English,  as  scripsisse  is  the  past  tense  ot 
the  infinitive  in  Latin;  that  no  writers  can  be  warranted  in 
taking  such  liberties  with  the  language,  as  to  oontradicl  its 
plainest  rules  for  the   <ak«    of  supporting   an    hypothesis; 
that  these  writers  might,  on  their  own  principles,  and  with 
equal  propriety,  contend,  that  the  phrase,  "  I  intend  having 
written,"  is  proper  and  grammatical;  and  that,  by  admittii 
such  violations  of  established  grammatical  distinctions,  con- 
fusion  would   be    introduced,  the  language   would    be   dis- 
organized,  and   tli  ;    eccentric  systems    of  grammai 
might    be    advanced    and    plausibly    supported.— In    short, 
the  phrase,  "I  intend  to  have  written,"  appears  to  iiiM.lv. 
the  follow ii              irdity;  "I   intend  to  produce   hereaftei 
an  action  or  event,  which  has  been  already  completed." 


64-  key.  (Rule  14. 

Or — changing  times  and  seasons,  removing  and  setting 
up  kings,  &c. 

The  middle  station  of  life  seems  to  be  the  most  ad- 
vantageously situated  for  the  gaining  of  wisdom. 
Poverty  turns  our  thoughts  too  much  upon  the  sup- 
plying of  our  wants;  and  riches,  upon  enjoying  our 
superfluities.  Or — -for  gaining  wisdom — upon  supply- 
ing our  wants. 

Pliny,  speaking  of  Cato  the  Censor's  disapproving 
of  the  Grecian  orators,  expressed  himself  thus. 

Propriety  of  pronunciation  is  the  giving  of  that 
sound  to  every  word,  which  the  most  polite  usage  of 
the  language  appropriates  to  it.  Or — is  giving  to 
every  word  that  sound,  &c.  Or — consists  in  giving  to 
every  word  that  sound,  &c. 

Not  attending  to  this  rule,  is  the  cause  of  a  very 
common  error.     Or — want  of  attention  to  this  rule,  &c. 

This  was  in  fact  a  converting  of  the  deposite  to  his 
own  use.     Or — in  fact  converting  the  deposite,  &c. 

2.  There  will  be   no  danger  of  their  spoiling  of 
their  faces,  or  of  their  gaining  of  converts.     Or — no 
danger  of  spoiling  their  faces,  or  of  gaining   converts. 
Or — no  danger  that  they  ivill  spoil  their  faces,  or  gain 
converts. 

For  his  avoiding  of  that  precipice,  he  is  indebted 
to  his  friend's  care.  Or — .For  avoiding  that  pre- 
cipice, &c. 

It  was  from  our  misunderstanding  of  the  directions, 
that  we  lost  our  way.  Or — From  misunderstanding 
the  directions,  we  lost  our  way. 

In  tracing  his  history,  we  discover  little  that  is 
worthy  of  imitation. 


Rule  14.)  syntax.  65 

By  reading  books  written  by  the  best  authors,  his 
mind  became  highly  improved. 

3.  By  too  eager  pursuit,  he  ran  a  great  risk  ot 
being  disappointed. 

He  had  not  long  enjoyed  repose,  before  he  began 
to  be  weary  of  having  nothing  to  do. 

He  was  greatly  heated,  and  drank  with  avidity. 

Though  his  conduct  was,  in  some  respects,  ex- 
ceptionable, yet  he  durst  not  commit  so  great  an 
orlence,  as  that  which  was  proposed  to  him. 

A  second  deluge  learning  thus  d'er-ran  ; 
And  the  monks  finish'd  what  the  Goths  began. 

If  some  events  had  not  fallen  out  very  unexpect- 
edly, I  should  have  been  present. 

He  would  have  gone  with  us,  had  he  been  invited. 

He  returned  the  goods  which  he  had  stolen,  and 
made  all  the  reparation  in  his  power. 

They  have  chosen  the  part  of  honour  and  virtue. 

His  vices  have  weakened  his  mind,  and  broken  his 
health. 

He  had  mistaken  his  true  interest,  and  found  him- 
s^W forsaken  by  his  former  adherents. 

The  bread  that  has  been  eaten  is  soon  forgotten. 

No  contentions  have  arisen  amongst  them,  since 
their  reconciliation. 

The  cloth  had  no  seam,  but  was  woven  throughout. 

The  French  language  is  spoken  in  ev»  i  \  -'ate  in 
Europe. 

His  resolution  was  too  strong  tube  shaken  by  slight 
opposition. 


60  key.  (Rule  15. 

He  was  not  much  restrained  afterwards,  having 
taken  improper  liberties  at  first. 

He  has  not  yet  worn  off  the  rough  manners,  which 
he  brought  with  him. 

You  who  have  forsaken  your  friends,  are  entitled 
to  no  confidence. 

They  who  have  borne  a  part  in  the  labour,  shall 
share  the  rewards. 

When  the  rules  have  been  wantonly  broken,  there 
can  be  no  plea  for  favour. 

He  writes  as  the  best  authors  would  have  written, 
had  they  written  on  the  same  subject. 

He  heaped  up  great  riches,  but  passed  his  time 
miserably. 

He  talked  and  stamped  with  such  vehemence,  that 
he  was  suspected  to  be  insane. 

rule  xv. 

Grammar,  p,  186.     Exercises,  p.  100. 

He  was  not  often  pleasing,  because  he  was  vain. 

William  acted  nobly,  though  he  was  unsuccessful. 

We  may  live  happily,  though  our  possessions  are 
small. 

From  whence  we  may  likewise  date  the  period  of 
this  event. 

It  cannot  therefore  be  impertinent  or  ridiculous  to 
remonstrate. 

He  offered  an  apology,  which  not  being  admitted, 
he  became  submissive. 

These  things  should  never  be  separated. 

Unless  he  have  more  government  of  himself,  he 
will  always  be  discontented. 


Rule  15.)  syntax.  07 

No  sovereign  was  ever  so  much  beloved  by  the 
people. 

He  was  determined  to  invite  the  king  back,  and  to 
call  his  friends  together. 

*A  boy  so  ivell  educated  gives  great  hopes  to  his 
friends. 

He  found  her  not  only  employed,  but  also  pleased 
and  tranquil. 

We  should  always  prefer  our  duty  to  our  pleasure. 

It  is  impossible  to  be  at  work  continually. 

The  heavenly  bodies  are  perpetually  in  motion. 

Not  having  known,  or  not  having  considered,  t  lie 
measures  proposed,  he  failed  of  success. 

My  opinion  was  given  on  a  rather  cursory  perusal 
of  the  book. 

It  is  too  common  with  mankind,  to  be  totally  en- 
grossed, and  overcome,  by  present  events. 

When  the  Romans  were  pressed  with  a  foreig 
enemy,  the  women  voluntarily   contributed  all  their 
rings  and  jewels,  to  assist  the  government. 

Thefolloivhig  sentences  exemplify  the  notes  and  obser- 
vations under  klle  xv. 
Grammar,  p.lS8.     Exercises,  p.  102. 

1.  They  could  not  persuade  him,  though  they 
were  ever  so  eloquent. 

1 1' some  persons'  opportunities  were  ever  so  favour- 
able, they  would  be  too  indolent  to  improve  them. 

'2.  lie  drew  up  a  petition,  in  which  lie  too  freely 
represented  his  own  merits. 


68  key.  (Rule  16. 

His  follies  had  reduced  him  to  a  situation  in  which 
he  had  much  to  fear,  and  nothing  to  hope. 

Jt  is  reported  that  the  prince  will  come  hither  to- 
morrow. 

George  is  active;  he  walked  thither  in  less  than  an 
hour. 

Whither  are  you  all  going  in  such  haste? 

Where  have  they  been  since  they  left  the  city? 

3.  Charles  left  the  seminary  too  early,  and  from, 
that  time  he  has  made  very  little  improvement.  Or — 
and  has  since  made,  &c. 

Nothing  is  better  worth  the  time  and  attention  of 
young  persons,  than  the  acquisition  of  knowledge 
and  virtue. 

RULE  XVI. 

Grammar,  p.  189.    Exercises,  p.  102. 

Neither  riches  nor  honours,  nor  any  such  perish- 
ing goods,  can  satisfy  the  desires  of  an  immortal 
spirit. 

Be  honest,  and  take  no  shape  or  semblance  of 
disguise. 

We  need  not,  and  we  do  not,  confine  his  opera- 
tions to  narrow  limits. 

I  am  resolved  not  to  comply  with  the  proposal, 
either  at  present,  or  at  any  other  time. 

There  cannot  be  any  thing  more  insignificant  than 
vanity. 

Nothing  ever  affected  her  so  much  as  this  mis- 
conduct of  her  child. 


Rule  17.)  syntax.  69 

Do  not  interrupt  me  yourselves,  nor  let  any  one 
disturb  my  retirement.  Or — neither  interrupt  me 
yourselves,  nor  let  any  one,  &c. 

These  people  do  not  judge  wisely,  nor  take  pro- 
per measures  to  effect  their  purpose. 

The  measure  is  so  exceptionable,  that  we  cannot 
by  any  means  permit  it. 

I  have  received  no  information  on  the  subject. 
either  from  him  or  from  his  friend. 

Neither  precept    nor    discipline   is  so   forcible   as 

example. 

Neither  the  king  nor  the  queen  was  at  all  deceived 

in  the  business. 

RULE  XVII. 
Grammar,  p.  190.     Exercises,  p.  103. 

We  are  all  accountable  creatures,  each  for  himself. 
They  willingly,  and  of  themselves,  endeavoured  to 
make  up  the  difference. 

He  laid  the  suspicion  upon  somebody,    1  know  not 
upon  whom,  in  the  company. 

I  hope  it  is  not  I  with  whom  he  is  displeased. 

To  poor  us  there  is  not  much  hope  remaining. 

Does  that  boy  know  to  whom  he  speaks  ?    To  whom 
does  he  ofter  such  language? 

It  was  not  with  him  that  they  were  so  angry. 

What  concord  can  subsist  between  those  who  com- 
mit crimes,  and  those  who  abhor  them? 

The  person  with  whom  I  travelled,    has  sold  the 
horse  on  which  he  rode  during  our  journey. 

It  is  not  with  me  he  is  engaged. 

From  whom  did  he  receive  that  intelligence? 


70  key.  (Rule  17. 

The  following  examples  are  adapted  to  the  notes  and 
observations  under  rule  xvir. 

Grammar,  p.  190.     Exercises,  p.  104. 

1.  To  have  no  one  to  whom  we  heartily  wish  well, 
rmd  for  whom  we  are  warmly  concerned,  is  a  de- 
plorable state. 

He  is  a  friend  to  whom  I  am  highly  indebted. 

2.  On  these  occasions,  the  pronoun  is  governed  by 
the  preceding  word,  and  consequently  agrees  ivith  it. 

They  were  refused  entrance  into  the  house,  and 
forcibly  driven  from  it. 

3.  We  are  often  disappointed  in  things,  which, 
before  possession,  promised  much  enjoyment. 

I  have  frequently  desired  their  company,  but  have 
always  hitherto  been  disappointed  o/that  pleasure. 

4.  She  finds  a  difficulty  in  fixing  her  mind.  Or — 
She  finds  it  difficult  to  fix  her  mind. 

Her  sobriety  is  no  derogation  from  her  under- 
standing. 

There  was  no  water,  and  he  died  of  thirst. 

We  can  fully  confide  in  none  but  the  truly  good. 

I  have  no  occasion  for  his  services. 

Many  have  profited  by  good  advice. 

Many  ridiculous  practices  have  been  brought  into 
vogue. 

The  error  was  occasioned  by  compliance  with 
earnest  entreaty. 

This  is  a  principle  in  unison  with  our  nature. 

We  should  entertain  no  prejudices  against  simple 
and  rustic  persons. 


Rule  17.)  syntax.  71 

They  are  at  present  resolved  on  doing  their  duty. 
<  >r — to  do  their  duty. 

That  boy  is  known  by  the  name  of  the  Idler. 
Though  conformable   to  custom,     it   is   not    war- 

rentable. 

This  remark  is  founded  on  truth. 

His  parents  think  of  him,   and  his  improvements, 
with  pleasure  and  hope. 

His  excuse  was  admitted  by  his  master. 

What  went  ye  out  to  see  ? 

There   appears  to  have  been  a   million   of  men 
brought  into  the  field. 

His  present  was  accepted  by  his  friends. 

More  than  a  thousand  men  were  destroyed. 

It  is  my  request,   that  he  will   be  particular,    in 
speaking  on  the  following  points. 

The  Saxons  reduced  the  greater  part  of  Britain 
under  their  power. 

He  lives  opposite  to  the  Royal  Exchange. 

Their  house  is  situated  on  the  north-east  side  of 
the  road. 

The  performance  was  approved  by  all  who  under- 
stood it. 

He  was  accused  of  having  acted  unfairly. 

She  has  an  abhorrence  o/all  deceitful  conduct. 

They  were  at  some  distance  from  home,  when  the 
accident  happened. 

His  deportment  was  adapted  to  conciliate  regard. 

My  lather  writes  to  me  very  frequently. 

Their  conduct  was  agreeable  to  their  prof    -on. 

We  went  leisurely  up  stair-,  uod  came  hastily 
down.  We  shall  write  above  stairs  this  forenoon,  and 
below  stairs  in  the  afternoon. 


"72  key.  (Rule  18. 

The  politeness  of  the  world  has  the  same  resem- 
blance to  benevolence,  that  the  shadow  has  to  the 
substance. 

He  had  a  taste  for  such  studies,  and  pursued  them 
earnestly. 

When  we  have  had  a  true  taste  of  the  pleasures 
of  virtue,  we  can  have  no  relish  for  those  of  vice. 

How  happy  is  it  to  know  how  to  live  at  times 
with  one's  self,  to  leave  one's  self  ivith  regret,  to  find 
one's  self  again  with  pleasure  !  The  world  is  then 
less  necessary  to  us. 

Civility  makes  its  way  ivith  every  kind  of  persons. 
Or — amongst  all  kinds  of  persons. 

5.  I  went  to  London,  after  having  resided  a  year  in 
France  ;  and  I  now  live  at  Islington. 

They  have  just  landed  at  Hull,  and  are  going 
to  Liverpool.  They  intend  to  reside  some  time  in 
Ireland. 

RULE  XVIII. 
Grammar,  p.  194.     Exercises,  p.  107. 

Professing  regard,  and  acting  differently,  discover 
abase  mind.  Or — To  profess  regard,  and  to  act  dif-. 
ferently,  &c. 

Did  he  not  tell  me  his  fault,  and  entreat  me  to 
forgive  him  ? 

My  brother  and  he  are  tolerable  grammarians. 

If  he  understands  the  subject,  and  attends  to  it  in- 
dustriously, he  can  scarcely  fail  of  success. 

You  and  we  enjoy  many  privileges. 

This  excellent  person  appeared  to  be  fully  re- 
signed, either  to  live  or  to  die. 


Rule  18.)  syntax.  73 

She  and  he  are  very  unhappily  connected. 

To  be  moderate  in  our  views,  and  to  proceed 
temperately  in  the  pursuit  of  them,  is  the  best  way 
to  ensure  success. 

On  that  occasion,  he  could  not  have  done  more, 
nor  have  cjfered  to  do  less. 

Between  him  and  me  there  is  some  disparity  of 
years;  but  none  between  him  and  her. 

By  forming  themselves  on  fantastic  models,  and 
vj/ing  with  one  another  in  the  reigning  follies,  the 
young  begin  with  being  ridiculous,  and  end  with 
being  vicious  and  immoral. 

- 

In  early  life,  they  were  headstrong  and  rash, 
though  now  they  are  compliant  >nd  gentle. 

Can  these  persons  consent  to  such  a  proposal,  and 
will  they  consent  to  it? 

How  affluent,  and  distinguished  for  talents,  he  is, 
and  how  extensively  useful  he  mi^ht  be  ! 

We  have  met  with  many  disappointments ;  and. 
if  life  continue,  ive  shall  probably  meet  with  manv 
more. 

He  might  have  been  happy,  and  now  he  is  fulU 
convinced  of  it. 

Virtue  is  praised  by  many,  and  doubtless  she 
would  be  desired  also,  if  her  worth  were  reallv 
known. 

Though  Charles  was  sometimes  hasty,  vet  ht  \\a^ 
not  often  ung»-nerou?. 

He  could  command  his  temper,  I  hough  he  cer- 
tainly would  not. 

D 


74  key.  (Rule  19. 

RULE  XIX. 

Grammar,  p.  195.     Exercises,  p.  108. 

If  he  acquire  riches,  they  will  corrupt  his  mind, 
and  be  useless  to  others. 

Though  he  urge  me  yet  more  earnestly,  I  shall  not 
comply,  unless  he  advance  more  forcible  reasons. 

I  shall  walk  in  the  fields  to-day,  unless  it  rain. 

As  the  governess  was  present,  the  children  be- 
haved properly. 

She  disapproved  the  measure,  because  it  was  very 
improper. 

Though  he  is  high,  he  hath  respect  to  the  lowly. 

Though  he  was  her  friend,  he  did  not  attempt  to 
justify  her  conduct. 

Whether  he  improves  or  not,  I  cannot  determine. 

Though  the  fact  is  extraordinary,  it  certainly  did 
happen. 

Remember  what  thou  wast,  and  be  humble. 

O!  that  his  heart  were  tender,  and  susceptible  of 
the  woes  of  others. 

Shall  then  this  verse  to  future  age  pretend, 
Thou  wast  my  guide,  philosopher,  and  friend  ? 

The  examples  which  follow,  are  suited  to  the  notes  and 

observations  under  rule  xix. 

Grammar,  p.  196.     Exercises,  p.  109. 

1 .  Despise  not  any  condition,  lest  it  happen  to  be 

your  own. 

Let  him  that  is  sanguine,  take  heed  lest  he  mis- 
carry. 


Rule  19.)  syntax.  75 

Take  care  that  thou  break  not  any  of  the  esta- 
blished rules. 

If  he  do  but  intimate  his  desire,  it  will  be  sufficient 
to  produce  obedience. 

At  the  time  of  his  return,  if  he  be  but  expert  in 
the  business,  he  will  find  employment. 

If  he  does  but  speak  to  display  his  abilities,  he  is 
unworthy  of  attention. 

If  he  is  but  in  health,  I  am  content. 

If  he  do  promise,  he  will  certainly  perform. 

Though  he  does  praise  her,  it  is  only  for  her 
beauty. 

If  thou  do  not  forgive,  perhaps  thou  wilt  not  be 
forgiven. 

If  thou  dost  sincerely  believe  the  truths  of  religion, 
act  accordingly. 

2.  His  confused  behaviour  made  it  reasonable  to 
suppose  that  he  was  guilty. 

He  is  so  conscious  of  deserving  the  rebuke,  that 
he  dares  not  make  any  reply. 

His  apology  was  so  plausible,  that  many  befriended 
him,  and  thought  he  was  innocent. 

.'i.  If  one  man  prefers  a  life  of  industry,  it  is  be- 
<  ;iuse  he  has  an  idea  of  comfort  in  wealth  ;  if  another 
prefers  a  life  of  gaietv,  it  is  from  a  like  idea  con- 
cerning pleasure. 

No  one  engages  in  that  business,  unless  he  aims  at 
reputation,  or  hopes  for  some  singular  advantage. 

Though  the  design  is  laudable,  and  is  favourable 
to  our  interest,  it  will  involve  much  anxiety  and 
labour. 

D2 


76  key.  (Rule  19. 

4.  Unless  he  learn  faster,  he  will  be  no  scholar. 

Though  he  fall  he  shall  not  be  utterly  cast  down. 

On  condition  that  he  come,  I  will  consent  to  stay. 

However  that  affair  terminate,  my  conduct  will  be 
unimpeachable.     Or — may  terminate. 

If  virtue  reward  us  not  so  soon  as  we  desire,  the 
payment  will  be  made  with  interest. 

Till  repentance  compose  his  mind,  he  will  be  a 
stranger  to  peace. 

Whether  he  confess,  or  not,  the  truth  will  cer- 
tainly be  discovered. 

If  thou  censure  uncharitably,  thou  wilt  be  entitled 
to  no  favour. 

Though,  at  times,  the  ascent  to  the  temple  of 
virtue,  appear  steep  and  craggy,  be  not  discouraged. 
Persevere  until  thou  gain  the  summit :  there,  all  is 
order,  beauty,  and  pleasure. 

If  Charlotte  desires  to  gain  esteem  and  love,  she 
does  not  employ  the  proper  means. 

Unless  the  accountant  deceives  me,  my  estate  is 
considerably  improved. 

Though  self-government  produces  some  uneasiness, 
it  is  light,  when  compared  with  the  pain  of  vicious 
indulgence. 

Whether  he  thinks  as  he  speaks,  time  will  dis- 
cover. 

If  thou  censurest  uncharitably,  thou  deservest  no 
favour. 

Though  virtue  appears  severe,  she  is  truly  amiable. 

Though  success  is  very  doubtful,  it  is  proper 
that  he  endeavour  to  succeed.  Or — he  should  en- 
deavour, 2)'c. 


Rule  19.)  SYNTAX.  77 

5.  If  thou  hast  promised,  be  faithful  to  thy  en- 
gagement. 

Though  he  has  proved  his  right  to  submission,  he 
is  too  generous  to  exact  it. 

Unless  he  has  improved,  he  is  unfit  for  the  office. 

6.  If  thou  hadst  succeeded,  perhaps  thou  wouldst 
not  be  the  happier  for  it. 

Unless  thou  shalt  see  the  propriety  of  the  measure, 
we  shall  not  desire  thy  support. 

Though  thou  wilt  not  acknowledge,  thou  canst 
not  deny  the  fact. 

7.  If  thou  gavest  liberally,  thou  wilt  receive  a 
liberal  reward. 

Though  thou  didst  injure  him,  he  harbours  no  re- 
sentment. 

It  would  be  well,  if  the  report  were  only  the  mis- 
representation of  her  enemies. 

Were  he  ever  so  great  and  opulent,  this  conduct 
would  debase  him. 

Were  I  to  enumerate  all  her  virtues,  it  would  look 
'.ike  flattery. 

Though  I  were  perfect,  yet  would  I  not  presume. 

S.  If  thou  mayst  share  in  his  labours,  be  thankful, 
and  do  it  cheerfully. 

Unless  thou  canst  fairly  support  the  cause,  give  it 
up  honourably. 

Though  thou  mightst  have  foreseen  the  danger, 
thou  couldst  not  have  avoided  it. 

If  thou  couldst  convince  him,  he  would  not  act  ac- 
cordingly. 

D3 


78  key.  (Rule  19. 

If  thou  wouldst  improve  in  knowledge,  be  diligent. 

Unless  thou  shouldst  make  a  timely  retreat,  the 
danger  will  be  unavoidable. 

I  have  laboured  and  wearied  myself,  that  thou 
mayst  be  at  ease. 

He  enlarged  on  those  dangers,  that  thou  shouldst 
avoid  them. 

9.  Neither  the  cold  nor  the  fervid,  but  characters 
uniformly  warm,  are  formed  for  friendship. 

They  are  both  praise-worthy,  and  one  is  as  de- 
serving as  the  other.     Or — and  equally  deserving. 

He  is  not  so  diligent  and  learned  as  his  brother. 

I  will  either  present  it  to  him  myself,  or  direct  it 
to  be  given  to  him. 

Neither  despise  nor  oppose  what  thou  dost  not  un- 
derstand. 

The  house  is  not  so  commodious  as  we  expected 
it  would  be. 

I  must,  however,  be  so  candid  as  to  own  that  I 
have  been  mistaken. 

There  was  something  so  amiable,  and  yet  so 
piercing  in  his  look,  that  it  affected  me  at  once  with 
love  and  terror. 

"  I  gain'd  a  son ; 


And  such  a  son,  that  all  men  hail'd  me  happy." 

The  dog  in  the  manger  would  neither  eat  the  hay 
himself,  nor  suffer  the  ox  to  eat  it. 

So  far  as  I  am  able  to  judge,  the  book  is  well 
written. 

We  should  either  faithfully  perform  the  trust  com- 
mitted to  us,  or  ingenuously  relinquish  the  charge. 


Rule  19.)  syntax.  79 

He  is  not  so  eminent,  and  so  much  esteemed,  as 
he  thinks  himself  to  be. 

The  work  is  a  dull  performance ;  and  is  capable 
of  pleasing  neither  the  understanding,  nor  the  imagi- 
nation. 

There  is  no  condition  so  secure,  as  not  to  admit 

o-f  change. 

This  is  an  event,  which  nobody  presumes  upon, 
or  is  so  sanguine  as  to  hope  for. 

We  are  generally  pleased  with  any  little  accom- 
plishments either  of  body  or  of  mind. 

10.  Be  ready  to  succour  such  persons  as  need  thy 
assistance.     Or — those  persons  who  need,  &c. 

The  matter  was  no  sooner  proposed,  than  he  pri- 
vately withdrew  to  consider  it. 

He  has  too  much  sense  and  prudence  to  become  a 
dupe  to  such  artifices. 

It  is  not  sufficient  that  our  conduct,  so  far  as  it 
respects  others,  appears  to  be  unexceptionable. 

The  resolution  was  not  the  less  fixed,  though  the 
secret  was  as  yet  communicated  to  very  few. 

He  opposed  the  most  remarkable  corruptions  of  the 
church  of  Rome ;  and,  on  this  account,  his  doctrines 
were  embraced  by  great  numbers. 

He  gained  nothing  further  by  his  speech,  than  to 
be  commended  for  his  eloquence.  Or — nothing  by 
his  speech  but  commendation  for  his  eloquence. 

He  has  little  more  of  the  scholar  than  the  name. 

He  has  little  of  the  scholar  but  the  name.  Or — 
besides  the  name. 

They  had  no  sooner  risen,  than  they  applied  them- 
selves to  their  studies. 

D4 


80  key.  (Rule  20. 

From  no  other  institution,  than  the  admirable  one 
of  juries,  could  so  great  a  benefit  be  expected. 

Those  savage  people  seemed  to  have  no  other  ele- 
ment than  war.     Or — no  element  but  that  of  war. 

Such  men  as  act  treacherously  ought  to  be  avoided. 
Or — The  men  who  act  treacherously,  &c. 

Germany  ran  the  same  risk  that  Italy  had  done. 

No  errors  are  so  trivial,  that  they  do  not  deserve  to 
be  mended.     Or — as  not  to  deserve  amendment*. 

RULE  xx. 
Grammar,  p.  206.     Exercises,  p.  115. 

In  some  respects,  we  have  had  as  many  advan- 
tages as  they;    but  in  the  article  of  a  good  library 
they  have  had  a  greater  privilege  than  ive  have  had. 

The  undertaking  was  much  better  executed  by  hitf 
brother  than  by  him. 

They  are  much  greater  gainers  than  J  am  by  this 
unexpected  event. 

They  know  how  to  write  as  well  as  he  does ;  but  he 
is  a  much  better  grammarian  than  they  are. 

*  Some  respectable  grammarians  suppose,  that  the  word 
as  is  always  a  pronoun ;  and  that,  in  every  situation,  it  has 
the  meaning  of  it,  that,  or  which.  They  would,  however,  find 
it  difficult  to  prove,  that,  in  the  following  sentences,  this 
word  has  the  meaning  of  any  one  of  those  pronouns.  "  As 
to  those  persons,  I  must  say,  as  it  is  due  to  them,  that  they 
were  as  disinterested  as  their  opponents."  "  Love  thy 
neighbour  as  thyself."  "  Forgive  us  our  debts  as  we  forgive 
ottr  debtors."  "  And  as  Paul  was  long  preaching,  Eutychus 
sunk  down."  See  the  Grammar,  tzventy-second  edition,  pages 
142, 143. 


Rule  20.)  SYNTAX.  81 

Though  she  is  not  so  learned  as  he  is,  she  is  as 
much  beloved  and  respected. 

These  people,  though  they  possess  more  shining 
qualities,  are  not  so  proud  as  he  is,  nor  so  vain  as  she. 

The  following  examples  are  adapted  to  the  notes  and 
observations  under  rule  xx. 

Grammar,  p.  200.     Exercises,  p.  115. 

1.  Who  betrayed  her  companion?   Not/. 

Who  revealed  the  secrets  he  ought  to  have  con- 
cealed ?   Not  he. 

Who  related  falsehoods  to  screen  herself,  and  to 
bring  an  odium  upon  others  r   Not  /;  it  was  she. 

There  is  but  one  in  fault,  and  that  is  /.  Or — 
myself. 

Whether  he  will  be  learned  or  not,  must  depend 
on  his  application. 

2.  Charles  XII.  of  Sweden,  than  whom  a  more 
courageous  person  never  lived,  appears  to  have 
been   destitute  of  the  tender  sensibilities  of  nature. 

Salmasius  (and  a   more  learned  man  than  lie  has 
.doin   appeared)    was    not    happy    at    the   close   of 
life"7. 


*  Some  grammarians  suppose  that  the  words  thun  ami 
.-■re  sometimes  used  as  prepositions,  and  govern  the  objec- 
tive ease.    They  adopt  this  id<  a,  from  the  difficulty,  if  not 
impossibility  a^  they  conceive,  <d  explaining  m  my  phr;  -•  s 
on  any  other  principle.    This  plea  of  necessity  apj  i 
however,  to  be  groundless.    Theprin  ip  e  of  supplying  the 

psis 
1)  5 


82  key.  (Rule2\. 

RULE  XXI. 
Grammar,  p.  207.     Exercises,  p.  116. 

I  gladly  shunned  him  who  gladly  fled  from  me. 

And  this  is  that  which  men  mean  by  distributive 
justice,  and  which  is  properly  termed  equity. 

His  honour,  his  interest,  his  religion,  were  all  em- 
barked in  this  undertaking. 

When  so  good  a  man  as  Socrates  fell  a  victim  to 
the  madness  of  the  people,  truth,  and  virtue,  and 
religion,  fell  with  him. 


ellipsis  is,  we  think,  sufficient  to  resolve  every  case,  in 
which  than  or  but  occurs,  without  wresting  these  words  from 
their  true  nature,  and  giving  them  the  character  of  pre- 
positions. In  the  Grammar,  under  Rule  20th,  page  206,  we 
have  exhibited  a  number  of  examples,  showing  that  the 
supply  of  the  ellipsis  sufficiently  explains  their  construction. 
But  as  these  may  be  deemed  obvious  cases,  we  shall  select 
some,  which  appear  to  be  more  difficult  in  their  develope- 
ment.  The  following  are  of  this  nature.  "  I  saw  nobody 
hut  him;"  "No  person  but  he  was  present,"  "  More  per- 
sons than  they  saw  the  action;"  "  The  secret  was  com- 
municated to  more  men  than  him;"  "This  trade  enriched 
some  people  more  than  them."  All  these  sentences  may  be 
explained,  on  the  principle  of  suppling  the  ellipsis,  in  the 
following  manner.  In  the  first,  we  might  say,  "  I  saw 
nobody,  but  /  saw  him ;"  oi',  "  I  saw  nobody  but  him  /  sazv  ;" 
in  the  second,  "None  was  present,  but  he  was  present ;"  in 
the  third,  "  More  persons  than  they  ivere,  saw  the  action, " 
or,  "More  than  these  persons  were,  saw  the  action;"  in  the 
fourth,  "  The  secret  was  communicated  to  more  persons 
than  to  him;"   in  the  fifth,    "This  trade    enriched   some 

people 


Rule  21.)  syntax.  S3 

Neither  the  fear  of  death,  nor  the  hope  of  life, 
could  make  him  submit  to  a  dishonest  action. 

An  elegant  house  and  much  costly  furniture  were, 
by  this  event,  irrecoverably  lost  to  the  owner. 

The  examples  which  follow,  are  suited  to  the  notes  and 
observations  under  rule  xxi. 

Grammar,  p.  207.     Exercises,  p.  lib. 

I.  These  rules  are  addressed  to  none  but  the  in- 
telligent and  attentive. 


people  more  than  it  enriched  them."— The  supply  of  the 
ellipsis  certainly  gives  an  uncouth  appearance  to  these 
sentences:  but  this  circumstance  forms  no  solid  objection 
to  the  truth  of  the  principle  for  which  we  contend.  Most  of 
the  idioms  in  a  language  could  not  be  literally  accounted 
for.  but  by  very  awkward  modes  of  expression. 

If  the  rule  which  has  been  recommended,  effectually 
answers  the  purpose  of  ascertaining  the  cases  of  nouns  and 
pronouns,  in  connexion  with  the  words  than  and  but,  why 
should  we  have  recourse  to  the  useless  expedient  of  chang- 
ing these  words  into  other  parts  of  speech;  especially  when 
this  expedient  would  often  produce  ambiguity,  and  lead 
into  error?  That  it  would  have  this  effect  might  be  shown, 
in  numerous  instances.  One,  however,  will  be  sufficient. 
"  If  we  use  the  word  than,  as  a  preposition,  we  should  say, 
1  I  love  her  better  than  him,'  whether  it  be  meant,  'I  (pre 
her  better  than  I  love  him,'  or,  '  I  love  her  better  than  he 
does.'  By  using  the  word,  as  a  conjunction,  the  ambiguity 
is  prevented.  For,  if  the  former  sentiment  i>  implied,  we 
say,  '  I  love   her  better    than   him;'    that  is,  'than  I  love 

him ;' 

D6 


84-  key.  (Rule2\. 

The  gay  and  pleasing  are,  sometimes,  the  most 
insidious  and  dangerous  companions. 

Old  age  will  prove  a  joyless  and  dreary  season, 
it' we  arrive  at  it  with  an  unimproved,  or  a  corrupted 
mind. 

The  more  I  see  of  his  conduct,  the  better  I  like 
him. 

It  is  not  only  the  duty,  but  the  interest  of  young 
persons,  to  be  studious  and  diligent. 

2.  These  counsels  were  the  dictates  of  virtue,  and 
of  true  honour. 


him;'  if  the  latter,  we  say,  '  I  love  her  better  than   he,' 
that  is,  '  than  he  loves  her.' " 

If  it  should  be  said,  that  but  and  than  may  be  properly 
supplied  by  the  prepositions  except  and  besides,  and  that 
therefore  the  substitution  of  the  latter  for  the  former  must 
be  allowable;  we  reply,  that,  in  numerous  instances,  these 
words  cannot  be  properly  substituted  for  each  other.  But 
if  this  could  be  universally  done,  it  might  still  be  said,  that 
equivalence  of  meaning,  by  no  means  implies  identity  of 
grammatical  construction.  This,  we  think,  has  been  fully 
proved  at  page  72,  of  the  Grammar;  the  twelfth,  or  any 
subsequent  edition. 

From  what  has  been  advanced  on  this  subject,  the  follow- 
ing rule  may  be  laid  down.  "  When  the  pronoun  following 
but  or  than,  has  exactly  the  same  bearing  and  relation  as 
the  preceding  noun  or  pronoun  has,  with  regard  to  other 
parts  of  the  sentence,  it  must  have  the  same  grammatical 
construction,"  By  applying  this  rule  to  the  various  ex- 
amples already  exhibited,  the  reader  will,  we  doubt  not, 
perceive  its  propriety  and  use. 

That 


Rule  21.)  SYNTAX.  S5 

Avarice  and  cunning  may  acquire  an  estate  ;  but 
they  cannot  gain  friends. 

A  taste  for  useful  knowledge,  will  provide  tor  us  a 
great  and  noble  entertainment,  when  other  entertain- 
ments leave  us. 

Without  firmness,  nothing  that  is  great  can  be  un- 
dertaken ;  nothing  that  is  difficult  or  hazardous,  can 
be  accomplished. 

The  anxious  mail  is  the  votary  of  riches;  the  neg 
ligent  man,  that  of  pleasure. 


That  the  student  may  be  still  further  assisted,  in  bis 
endeavours  to  discover  the  true  grammatical  construction 
of  a  noun  or  pronoun  following  but  or  than,  it  may  not  be 
improper  to  observe,  that  the  18th  Rule  of  Syntax  may  be 
considered  as  subsidiary  to  the  preceding  rule,  and  to  the 
principle  of  supplying  the  ellipsis.  Thus,  in  the  expression, 
"  I  saw  nobody  but  him,"  nobody  is  in  the  objective  case, 
rued  by  the  verb  saw ;  and  him  is  in  the  same  case, 
because  conjunctions,  according  to  Rule  the  18th,  connect 
the  same  cases  of  nouns  and  pronouns.  In  the  phrase, 
"  Nobody  but  he  was  present,"  Ac  is  in  the  nominative  case, 
because  it  is  connected  by  the  conjunction  but,  with  the 
noun  nobody,  which  is  in  the  nominative.  The  other  ><  u- 
tenc  5S,  in  which  the  conjunction  than  is  ustri,  may  be  oon- 
strued  in  the  same  manner. 

Jt  the  18th  Rule  of  Syntax  should  not  appear  to   apply 

to   every  example  which   has   been   produced   in  this  dis- 

.on,  nor  to  others  which  might  be  adduced;  it  will  be 

found,  on  strict  examination,  that  the  supposed  except 

arc,  in  fact,  sentences  which  do  uot  come  within  the  r»  a^m 

anil 


86  key.  (Rule  21. 

3.  His  crimes  had  brought  him  into  extreme  dis- 
tress, and  perplexity. 

He  has  an  affectionate  brother  and  sister ;  and  they 
live  in  great  harmony. 

We  must  guard  against  too  great  severity,  and 
too  great  facility  of  manners. 

We  should  often  recollect  what  the  wisest  men 
have  said  and  written,  concerning  human  happiness, 
and  human  vanity. 

That  species  of  commerce  will  produce  great  gain, 
or  great  loss. 

Many  days,  and  even  many  weeks,  pass  away  un- 
improved. 

This  wonderful  action  struck  the  beholders  with 
exceedingly  great  astonishment.  Or — with  very  great, 
&c. 


and  limitation  of  the  rule.  Thus,  in  the  sentence,  "  I  have 
a  greater  respect  for  them  than  he,"  the  pronoun  he  is 
connected  by  the  conjunction  than  with  the  pronoun  them  : 
and  yet  they  are  not  put  in  the  same  case;  because  they 
have  not  the  same  bearing  and  relation,  with  regard  to  the 
rest  of  the  sentence;  which  is  requisite  according  to  Rule 
18th  and  its  explanatory  note.  See  the  Grammar,  page  194 
of  the  tiventy-second  edition. 

The  two  latter  rules  are  founded  on  the  principle  of  sup- 
plying the  ellipsis,  and  are  intimately  cornected  with  it : 
they  in  fact  derive  all  their  authority  from  that  principle. 
They  may,  however,  be  of  use  to  the  student,  by  presenting 
the  subject  in  different  points  of  view:  some  of  them  may 
strike  his  attention,  more  than  others,  and  lead  him  to  a 
full  developement  of  the  subject. 


Rule  21.)  syntax.  87 

The  people  of  this  country  possess  a  healthful  cli- 
mate, and  a  fruitful  soil. 

They  enjoy  also  a  free  constitution,  and  excellent 
laws. 

4.  His  reputation  and  estate  were  both  lost  by 
gaming. 

This  intelligence  excited  not  only  our  hopes,  but 
our  fears  too. 

His  conduct  is  not  scandalous;  and  this  is  the  best 
that  can  be  said  of  it. 

This  was  the  person  whom  calumny  had  greatly 
abused,  and  who  sustained  the  injustice  with  singular 
patience. 

He  discovered  some  qualities  in  the  youth,  of  a 
disagreeable  nature,  and  which  to  him  were  wholly 
unaccountable. 

The  captain  had  several  men  who  died  in  his  ship, 
of  the  scurvy. 

He  is  not  only  sensible  and  learned,  but  he  is  reli- 
gious too. 

The  Chinese  language  contains  an  immense  num- 
ber of  words;  and  he  who  would  learn  them,  must 
possess  a  great  memory. 

By  presumption  and  vanity,  we  provoke  enmity, 
and  incur  contempt. 

In  the  circumstances  in  which  I  was  at  that  time. 
my  troubles  pressed  heavily  upon  me. 

He  has  destroyed  his  constitution,  by  the  very 
same  errors  by  which  so  many  have  been  destroyed. 
Or — same  errors  that  have  destroyed  so  many. 

5.  He  is  temperate,  disinterested,  and  benevolent ; 


88  key.  (Rule  21. 

an  ornament  to  his  family,  and  a  credit  to  his  pro- 
fession. 

Genuine  virtue  supposes  our  benevolence  to  be 
strengthened,  and  confirmed  by  principle. 

Perseverance  in  laudable  pursuits,  will  reward  all 
our  toils,  and  produce  effects  beyond  our  calcula- 
tion. 

It  is  happy  for  us,  when  we  can  calmly  and  deli- 
berately look  back  on  the  past,  and  anticipate  the 
future. 

The  sacrifices  of  virtue  will  not  only  be  rewarded 
hereafter,  but  they  will  be  recompensed  even  in  this 
life. 

All  those  ivho  were  possessed  of  any  office,  resigned 
their  former  commission.  Or — All  ivho  were  pos- 
sessed, &c. 

If  young  persons  were  determined  to  conduct 
themselves  by  the  rules  of  virtue,  not  only  would 
ihey  escape  innumerable  dangers,  but  they  would 
command  respect  from  the  licentious  themselves. 

Charles  was  a  man  of  learning,  knowledge,  and 
benevolence ;  and,  what  is  still  more,  he  was  a  true 
Christian*. 


*  The  auxiliary  verbs  are  often  very  properly  omitted 
before  the  principal  verb:  as,  "  I  have  seen  and  heard  him 
frequently;"  not  "  have  heard:"  "He  will  lose  his  estate, 
and  incur  reproach;"  not  "  will  incur."  But  when  any 
thing-  is  emphatically  expressed,  or  when  opposition  is 
denoted,  this  ellipsis  should  be  avoided:  as,  "  I  have  seen, 
and  I  have  heard  him  too;"  "He  was  admired,  but  he  was 
liOt  beloved." 


Rule2\.)  syntax.  89 

o\  The  temper  of"  him  who  is  always  in  the  bustle 
of  the  world,  will  often  be  ruffled  and  disturbed. 

We  often  commend,  as  well  as  censure  impru- 
dently. 

Mow  a  seed  grows  up  into  a  tree,  and  how  the 
mind  acts  upon  the  body,  are  mysteries  which  we 
cannot  explain. 

Verilv,  there  is  a  reward  for  the  righteous!  Verily 
there  is  a  God  that  judgeth  in  the  earth ! 

7.  Changes  are  almost  continually  taking  place, 
in  men  and  manners,  in  opinions  and  customs,  in 
private  fortunes  and  in  public  conduct. 

Averse  either  to  contradict  or  to  blame,  the  too 
complaisant  man  goes  along  with  the  manners  that 
prevail. 

By  this  habitual  indelicacy,  the  virgins  smiled  at 
what  they  blushed  at  before. 

They  are  now  reconciled  to  what  they  could  not 
formerly  be  prompted  to,  by  any  considerations. 

Censure  is  the  lax  which  a  man  pays  to  the  public 
for  being  eminent. 

Reflect  on  the  state  of  human  life,  and  on  the 
society  of  men,  as  mixed  with  good  and  evil. 

8.  In  all  stations  and  conditions,  the  important 
relations  take  place,  of  masters  and  servants,  hus- 
bands and  wives,  parents  and  children,  brothers  and 
friends,  citizens  and  subjects. 

Destitute  of  principle,  he  regarded  neither  his 
family,   his  friends,  nor  his  reputation. 

Religious  persons  are  often  unjustly  represented 
as  persons  of  romantic  character,  and  of  visionary 


90  key.  (Rule  22. 

notions ;  unacquainted  with  the  world,  and  unfit  to 
live  in  it. 

No  rank,  nor  station,  no  dignity  of  birth,  nor  any 
possessions,  exempt  men  from  contributing  their 
share  to  public  utility. 

9.  Oh,  my  father !  my  friend !  how  great  has 
been  my  ingratitude ! 

Oh,  Piety!  Oh  Virtue!  how  insensible  have  I 
been  to  your  charms ! 

10.  That  is  a  property  which  most  men  have,  or 
which  at  least  they  may  attain. 

Why  do  ye  that,  which  it  is  not  lawful  to  do  on 
the  sabbath  days?  Or — to  do  which  is  not  lawful, 
&c. 

The  showbread,  which  it  is  not  lawful  to  eat,  but 
for  the  priests  alone.  Or — to  eat  ivhich  is  not  lawful, 
but,  &c. 

Most,  if  not  all,  of  the  royal  family,  had  quitted 
the  place. 

By  these  happy  labours,  they  who  sow,  and  they 
who  reap,  will  rejoice  together. 

RULE  XXII. 
Grammar,  p.  212.     Exercises,  p.  121. 

The  work  has  received  several  alterations  and  ad- 
ditions. 

The  first  proposal  was  inferior  to  the  second,  and 
essentially  different  from  it. 

He  is  more  bold  and  active  than  his  companion,  but 
not  so  wise,  and  studious. 


Rule  22.)  syntax.  9\ 

We  hear  the  sound  of  the  wind,  but  we  cannot 
tell  whence  it  cometh,  nor  whither  it  goeth. 

Neither  has  he,  nor  have  any  other  persons,  sus- 
pected so  much  dissimulation. 

The  court  of  France,  or  that  of  England,  was  to 
be  the  umpire. 

In  the  reign  of  Henry  II.  all  foreign  commodities 
were  plentiful  in  England.  Or — In  the  reign,  &c. 
there  was  plenty  of  &c. 

There  is  no  talent  more  useful  towards  success  in 
business,  or  which  puts  men  more  out  of  the  reach  of 
accidents,  than  that  quality  generally  possessed  by 
persons  of  cool  temper,  and  which  is,  in  common  lan- 
guage, called  discretion.  Or — no  talent  50  useful, 
&c.  or  which  puts  men  so  much  out  of  the  reach,  &c. 
as  that  quality,  &c. 

The  first  project  was  to  shorten  discourse,  by  re- 
ducing polysyllables  to  words  of  one  syllable. 

I  shall  do  all  I  can,  to  persuade  others  to  take  the 
same  measures  for  their  cure,  which  I  have  taken. 

The  greatest  masters  of  critical  learning  differ 
among  themselves.     Or — do  not  always  harmonize. 

Micaiah  said,  u  If  thou  return  in  peace,  then  the 
Lord  hath  not  spoken  by  me." 

I  do  not  suppose,  that  we  Britons  want  genius, 
more  than  our  neighbours. 

The  deaf  man,  whose  ears  were  opened,  and  whose 
tongue  was  loosened,  doubtless  glorified  the  great 
Physician. 

Groves,  fields,  and  meadows,  are,  at  any  season  of 
the  year,  pleasant  to  look  upon;  but  never  so  much 
so  as  in  the  opening  of  the  spring.  Or — but  never 
so  agreeable  as  in  the  opening  of  the  spring. 


92  key.  (Rule  22. 

The  multitude  rebuked  them,  that  they  should 
hold  their  peace.     Or — that  they  might  be  silent. 

The  intentions  of  some  of  these  philosophers,  nay, 
of  many,  might  have  been,  and  probably  were  good. 

The  wonderful  civilities  which  have  passed  between 
the  nation  of  authors,  and  that  of  readers,  are  an  un- 
answerable argument,  of  a  very  refined  age. 

It  was  an  unsuccessful  undertaking;  the  failure  of 
ivhich  is,  however,  no  objection  at  all  to  an  enterprise 
so  well  concerted. 

The  reward  is  his  due,  and  it  has  already  been, 
or  it  will  hereafter  be,  given  to  him.  Or — already 
been  given  to  him,  or  it  will  be  hereafter  bestowed. 

By  intercourse  with  wise  and  experienced  persons, 
who  know  the  world,  we  may  improve  a  private  and 
retired  education,  and  rub  off  its  rust. 

Sincerity  is  as  valuable  as  knowledge,  and  even 
more  valuable. 

No  person  was  ever  so  perplexed  as  he  has  been  to- 
day, or  sustained  such  mortifications. 

The  Romans  gave,  not  only  the  freedom  of  the 
city,  but  capacity  for  employments,  to  the  inhabitants 
of  several  towns  in  Gaul,  Spain,  and  Germany. 

Such  writers  have  no  standard  on  which  to  form 
themselves,  except  what  chances  to  be  fashionable 
and  popular.  Or — have  no  other  standard,  &c.  than 
that  ivhich  chances,  &c. 

Whatever  we  do  secretly,  shall  be  displayed  in  the 
clearest  light. 

To  the  happiness  of  possessing  a  person  of  so  un- 
common merit,  Boethius  soon  joined  the  satisfaction 
of  obtaining  the  highest  honour  his  country  could 
bestow.     Or — -joined  that  of  obtaining,  &c. 


(  93    ) 


CHAPTER  II. 

Containing  corrections  of  the  false  Syntax,  projnit- 

cuously  disposed. 

See  Exercises,  p.  123. 
SECTION    I. 

Though  great  have  been  his  disobedience  and 
folly,  yet  if  he  sincerely  acknowledge  his  misconduct, 
he  will  be  forgiven. 

On  these  causes  depends  all  the  happiness  or  misery, 
which  exists  amonsr  men. 

The  property  of  James,  I  mean  his  books  and  fur- 
niture, was  wholly  destroyed. 

This  prodigy  of  learning,  this  scholar,  critic,  and 
antiquarian,  teas  entirely  destitute  of  breeding  and 
civility. 

That  writer  has  given  an  account  of  the  manner  in 
which  Christianity  was  formerly  propagated  among 
the  heathens. 

We  adore  the  Divine  Being,  him  who  is  from  eter- 
nity to  eternity. 

Thou,  Lord,  who  hast  permitted  affliction  to  come 
upon  us,  wilt  deliver  us  from  it,  in  due  time. 

In  this  place,  there  was  not  only  security,  but  an 
abundance  of  provisions. 

By  these  attainments  the  master  is  honoured,  and 
tin-  scholars  are  encouraged. 

The  sea  appeared  to  be  agitated  more  than  usual. 
Or — unusually  agitated. 


94  rev.  ( Promiscuous. 

Not  one  in  fifty,  of  those  who  call  themselves 
deists,  understands  the  nature  of  the  religion  which 
he  rejects. 

Virtue  and  mutual  confidence  are  the  soul  of  friend- 
ship. Where  these  are  wanting,  disgust  or  hatred 
often  follows  little  differences. 

Time  and  chance  happen  to  all  men;  but  every 
person  does  not  consider  who  governs  those  powerful 
causes. 

The  active  mind  of  man  seldom  or  never  rests 
satisfied  with  its  present  condition,  how  prosperous 
soever  it  may  be. 

Habits  must  be  acquired  of  temperance  and  self- 
denial,  that  we  may  be  able  to  resist  pleasure,  and  to 
endure  pain,  when  either  of  them  interferes  with  our 
duty. 

The  error  of  resting  wholly  on  faith,  or  wholly  on 
works,  is  one  of  those  seductions  which  most  easily 
mislead  men;  under  the  semblance  of  piety^  on  the 
one  hand,  and  of  virtue  on  the  other. 

It  was  no  exaggerated  tale ;  for  she  was  really  in 
that  sad  condition  in  which  her  friend  had  represented 
her. 

An  army  presents  a  painful  sight  to  a  feeling  mind. 

The  enemies  ivhom  we  have  most  to  fear,  are  those 
of  our  own  hearts. 

Thou  art  the  Messiah,  the  Son  of  God,  who  was 
to  come  into  the  world,  and  who  has  been  so  long 
promised  and  desired. 

Thomas's  disposition  is  better  than  his  brother's ; 
(or  than  that  of  his  brother;)  and  he  appears  to  be 
the  happier  man:  but  some  degree  of  trouble  is  all 
men's  portion. 


Promiscuous.)  syntax.  95 

Though  remorse  sometimes  sleeps  during  prospe- 
rity, it  will  surely  awake  in  adversity. 

It  is  an  invariable  law  of  our  present  condition, 
that  every  pleasure  which  is  pursued  to  excess,  con- 
verts itself  into  poison. 

If  a  man  bring  into  the  solitary  retreat  of  age,  a 
vacant,  an  unimproved  mind,  in  which  no  knowledge 
dawns,  no  ideas  rise,  and  which  supplies  him  with 
nothing  to  feed  upon  within  himself,  many  a  heavy 
and  comfortless  day  he  must  necessarily  pass. 

I  cannot  yield  to  so  dishonourable  conduct,  either 
at  the  present  moment  of  difficulty,  or  under  any 
circumstance  whatever. 

Themistocles  concealed  the  enterprises  of  Pausa- 
nias,  either  because  he  thought  it  base  to  betray  the 
secrets  trusted  to  his  confidence,  or  because  he  ima- 
gined it  impossible  for  schemes  so  dangerous  and  ill- 
concerted,  to  take  effect. 

Pericles  gained  such  an  ascendant  over  the  minds 
of  the  Athenians,  that  it  may  be  said,  he  attained 
monarchical  power  in  Athens. 

Christ  applauded  the  liberality  of  the  poor  widow, 
whom  he  saw  casting  her  two  mites  into  the  treasury. 

A  multiplicity  of  little  kind  offices,  in  persons 
frequently  conversant  with  each  other,  are  the  bands 
of  society  and  friendship. 

To  do  good  to  them  that  hate  us,  and,  on  no  oc- 
casion, to  seek  revenge,  are  the  duties  of  a  Christian. 

If  a  man  professes  a  regard  for  the  duties  of  reli- 
gion, and  neglects  those  of  morality,  that  man's  reli- 
gion is  vain. 

Affluence  may  give  us  respect,  in  the  eyes  of  the 
vulgar,  but  it  will  not  recommend  us  to  the  wise  and 
good. 


ytf  key.  (Promiscuous. 

The  polite,  accomplished  libertine,  is  miserable 
amidst  all  his  pleasures :  the  rude  inhabitant  of 
Lapland  is  happier  than  he  is. 

The  cheerful  and  gay,  when  warmed  by  plea- 
sure and  mirth,  lose  that  sobriety  and  self-denial, 
which  are  essential  to  the  support  of  virtue. 

section  2. 
Exercises,  p.  126. 

There  was,  in  the  metropolis,  much  to  amuse 
them,  as  well  as  many  things  to  excite  disgust. 

How  much  are  real  virtue  and  merit  exposed  to 
suffer  the  hardships  of  a  stormy  life ! 

This  is  one  of  the  duties  which  require  peculiar 
circumspection. 

A  higher  degree  of  happiness  than  that  which  I 
have  described,  seldom  falls  to  the  lot  of  mortals. 

There  are  principles  in  man,  which  ever  have 
inclined,  and  which  ever  will  incline,  him  to  offend. 

Whence  has  arisen  so  great  a  variety  of  opinions 
and  tenets  in  religion  ? 

Its  stature  is  less  than  that  of  a  man ;  but  its 
strength  and  agility  are  much  greater. 

Them  that  honour  me,  I  will  honour. 

He  summons  me  to  attend,  and  I  must  summon  the 
others. 

Then  did  the  officer  lay  hold  of  him,  and  execute 
him  immediately.  Or — The  officer  then  laid  hold  of 
him,  and  executed  him  immediately. 

Who  is  that  person  whom  I  saw  you  introduce, 
and  present  to  the  duke? 

I  offer  observations  ivhich  a  long  and  chequered 
pilgrimage  has  enabled  me  to  make  on  man. 


Promiscuous.)  syntax.  (J7 

Every  church  and  sect  of  people  has  a  set  of 
opinions  peculiar  to  itself. 

Mayst  thou  as  well  as  /,  be  meek,  patient,  and 
forgiving. 

These  men  were  under  hicch  obligations  to  adhere 
to  their  friend  in  every  situation  of  life. 

After  I  had  visited  Europe,  I  returned  to  America. 

Their  example,  their  influence,  their  fortune, 
every  talent  they  possess,  dispense  blessings  on  all 
around  them. 

When  a  string  of  such  sentences  occurs,  the  effect 
is  disagreeable. 

I  zvas  lately  at  Gibraltar,  and  saw  the  commander 
in  chief. 

Propriety  of  pronunciation  consists  in  giving  to 
every  word  that  sound,  which  the  most  polite  usage 
of  the  language  appropriates  to  it. 

The  book  is  printed  very  neatly,  and  on  fine 
ivoven  paper. 

Many  of  the  fables  of  the  ancients  are  highly  in- 
structive.   Or — Many  fables  of  the  ancients  are^  &c. 

He  resembles  one  of  those  solitary  animals,  that 
have  been  forced  from  their  forests,  to  gratify  human 
curiosity. 

There  neither  is,  nor  ought  to  be,  such  a  thing  as 
constructive  treason. 

He  is  a  neiv-created  knight,  and  his  dignity  sitt 
awkwardly  on  him.     Or — a  newly  created  knight,  &c. 

Hatred  or  revenge  deserves  censure  wherever  it  is 
found  to  exist. 

If  you  please  to  employ  your  thoughts  on  that 
subject,  you  trill  easily  conceive  our  miserable 
condition. 

E 


98  key.  (Promiscuous 

His  speech  contains  one  of  the  grossest  and  most 
infamous  calumnies  that  ever  were  uttered. 

Too  great  a  variety  of  studies  dissipates  and 
■weakens  the  mind. 

Each  of  those  two  authors  has  his  merit. 

James  was  resolved  not  to  indulge  himself  in  so 
cruel  an  amusement. 

The  want  of  attention  to  this  rule,  is  the  source  of  a 
very  common  error.     Or — Want  of  attention,  &c. 

Calumny  and  detraction  are  sparks,  which,  if  you 
do  not  blow  them,  will  go  out  of  themselves. 

Clelia  is  a  vain  woman,  who,  if  we  do  not  flatter 
her,  will  be  disgusted. 

That  celebrated  work  had  been  nearly  ten  years 
published,  before  its  importance  was  at  all  under- 
stood. 

Ambition  is  insatiable  :  it  will  make  any  sacrifices 
to  attain  its  objects. 

A  great  mass  of  rocks  thrown  together  by  the 
hand  of  nature,  with  wildness  and  confusion,  strikes 
the  mind  with  more  grandeur,  than  if  the  parts  had 
been  adjusted  to  one  another  with  the  most  accurate 
symmetry. 

section  3. 
Exercises,  p.  128. 

He  showed  a  spirit  of  forgiveness,  and  a  mag- 
nanimity, that  do. honour  to  human  nature. 

Them  that  honour  me,  I  will  honour;  and  they 
that  despise  me,  shall  be  lightly  esteemed. 

Reason's  whole  pleasure,  all  the  joys  of  sense, 
Lie  in  three  words,  health,  peace,  and  competence. 


(Projniscuous  syntax.  )> 

Having  thus  begun  to  throw  off  the  restraints 
of  reason,  he  was  soon  hurried  into  deplorable  ex- 
cesses. 

These  arts  have  enlightened  many  minds;  and  they 
will  enlighten  every  person  who  shall  attentively 
study  them. 

When  we  succeed  in  our  plans,  it  is  not  always 
to  be  attributed  to  ourselves;  the  aid  of  others  often 
promotes  the  end,  and  claims  our  acknowledgment. 

Their  intentions  were  good ;  but  wanting  pru- 
dence, they  missed  the  mark  at  which  they  aimed. 

I  have  not  consented,  nor  shall  /  consent  to  a  pro- 
posal so  unjust. 

We  have  subjected  ourselves  to  much  expense, 
that  thou  mayst  be  well  educated. 

This  treaty  was  made  at  the  castle  of  earl  .More- 
ton  the  crovernor. 

Be  especially  careful,  that  thou  give  no  offence  to 
the  aged  or  helpless. 

The  business  was  no  sooner  opened,  than  it  was 
cordially  acquiesced  in. 

On  account  of  his  general  conduct,  he  deserved 
punishment  as  much  as  his  companion,  and,  indeed, 
descried  it  more.  He  left  a  son  of  a  singular  cha- 
racter, and  who  behaved  so  ill  that  he  was  put  in 
prison. 

If  he  do  but  approve  my  endeavours,  it  will  be 
an  ample  reward.     Or — If  he  should  approve.  &c. 

/  hope  you  will  do  me  the  favour,  to  accept  a  copy 
of  "A  view  of  the  manufactories,  in  the  West  Riding 
of  Yorkshire." 

I  had  intended  to  write  the  letter,  before  he  urged 

E  2 


100  key.  (Promiscuous. 

me  to  it;  and,  therefore,  he  has  not  all  the  merit 
of  it. 

All  the  power  of  ridicule,  aided  by  the  desertion 
of  friends,  and  the  diminution  of  his  estate,  was 
not  able  to  shake  his  principles. 

In  his  conduct  was  treachery,  and  in  his  words, 
were  faithless  professions. 

Though  the  measure  is  mysterious,  it  is  worthy  of 
attention. 

Be  solicitous  to  aid  such  deserving  persons  as 
appear  to  be  destitute  of  friends. 

Ignorance,  or  the  want  of  light,  produces  sen- 
suality, covetousness,  and  those  violent  contests  with 
others  about  trifles,  which  occasion  so  much  misery 
and  so  many  crimes  in  the  world. 

He  will  one  day  reap  the  reward  of  his  labour,  if 
he  be  diligent  and  attentive.  Till  that  period  come, 
let  him  be  contented  and  patient. 

To  the  resolutions  which  we  have  once,  upon  due 
consideration,  adopted  as  rules  of  conduct,  let  us 
firmly  adhere. 

He  has  little  more  of  the  great  man  than  the 
title. 

Though  he  were  my  superior  in  knowledge,  he 
would  not  thence  have  a  right  to  impose  his  sentiments- 

That  picture  of  the  emperor,  is  a  very  exact  re- 
semblance of  him. 

How  happy  are  the  virtuous,  who  can  rest  under 
the  protection  of  that  powerful  arm,  which  made  the 
earth  and  the  heavens ! 

Prosperity  and  adversity  may  be  equally  improved ; 
both  the  one  and  the  other  proceed  from  the  same 
author. 


Promiscuous.)  syntax-  101 

He  acted  conformably  to  his'instructiofis,  and  can- 
not justly  be  censured. 

The  orators  did  not  forget  to  enlarge  on  so  po- 
pular a  subject. 

The  language  of  Divine  Providence  to  every  human 
agent,  is,  "Hitherto  shalt  thou  come,  and  no  farther/' 

Idle  persons  imagine,  that  how  deficient  soever  they 
may  be  in  point  of  duty,  they  at  least  consult  their 
own  satisfaction. 

Good  as  the  cause  is,  it  is  one  from  which  num- 
bers have  deserted. 

The  man  is  prudent  who  speaks  little. 

section  4. 
Exercises,  p.  131. 

He  acted  independently  of  foreign  assistance. 

Every  thing  that  we  here  enjoy,  changes,  decays, 
and  comes  to  an  end.  AW  floats  on  the  surface  of  that 
river,  which,  with  swift  current,  is  running  towards 
a  boundless  ocean. 

The  winter  has  not  been  so  severe  as  we  expected 
it  to  be.     Or — expected  it  would  be. 

Temperance,  more  than  medicines,  is  the  proper 
means  of  curing  many  diseases. 

They  understand  the  practical  part  better  than 
he  does;  but  he  is  much  better  acquainted  with  the 
theory  than  they  are. 

When  we  have  once  drawn  the  line,  with  intelli- 
gence and  precision,  between  duty  and  sin,  thai  line 
we  ought  on  no  occasion  to  transgress. 

They  who  are  distinguished  by  extraordinary  talents, 
have  extraordinary  duties  to  perform. 

E3 


]  02  key.  (Promiscuous. 

No  person  could  speak  more  strongly  on  this  sub- 
let. &r  behave  more  'nobly,  than  our  young  advocate 
for  the  cause  of  toleration. 

His  conduct  was  so  provoking,    that  many  will 
condemn  him,  and  few  will  pity  him. 

The  people's  happiness  is  the  statesman  s  honour. 
We  are  in  a  perilous  situation.     On  the  one  side, 
and  on  the  other,  dangers  meet  us  ;    and  either  ex- 
treme will  be  pernicious  to  virtue. 

Several  pictures  of  the  Sardinian  king's  were  trans- 
mitted to  France.  Or — Several  of  the  Sardinian 
king's  pictures,  &c.  Or — Several  pictures  belonging 
to  the  king  of  Sardinia,  &c. 

When  I  last  saw  him,  he  ivas  grown  considerably. 
If  we  consult  either  the  improvement  of  the  mind., 
or  the  health  of  the  body,   it  is  well  known  that  exer- 
cise is  the  great  instrument  of  promoting  both. 

If  it  were  they  who  acted  so  ungratefully,  they  are 
doubly  in  fault.     Or — If  they  acted,  &c. 

Whether  virtue  promote  our  interest  or  not,  we 
must  adhere  to  her  dictates. 

We  should  be  studious  to  avoid  too  much  indul- 
gence, as  well  as  too  much  restraint,  in  our  manage- 
ment of  children. 

No  human  happiness  is  so  great,  as  not  to  con- 
tain some  imperfection.  Or — as  to  contain  no  im- 
perfection. 

His  father  cannot  hope  for  this  success,  unless  his 
son  give  better  proofs  of  genius,  or  apply  himself 
with  indefatigable  labour. 

The  house  framed  a  remonstrance,   in  which  they 
spoke  with  great  freedom  of  the  king's  prerogative. 
The  conduct  which  has  been  mentioned,  is  one  of 


Promiscuous.)  syntax.  103 

those  artifices,  which  most  easily  seduce  men  under 
the  appearance  of  benevolence. 

This  is  the  person  to  whom  we  are  so  much  obliged, 
and  whom  we  expected  to  see,  when  the  favour  was 
conferred. 

He  is  a  person  of  great  property,  but  he  does  not 
possess  the  esteem  of  his  neighbours. 

They  were  solicitous  to  ingratiate  themselves  with 
those,  whom  it  was  dishonourable  to  favour. 

The  great  diversity  which  takes  place  among  men, 
is  not  owing  to  a  distinction  that  nature  has  made  in 
their  original  powers,  so  much  as  to  the  superior 
diligence,  with  which  some  have  improved  these 
powers  beyond  others. 

While  we  are  unoccupied  by  what  is  good,  evil  is 
continually  at  hand. 

There  is  not  a  creature  that  moves,  nor  a  vegetable 
that  grows,  but  which,  when  minutely  examined, 
furnishes  materials/or  pious  admiration. 

What  can  be  the  reason  of  the  committee's  having 
delayed  this  business?  Or — What  can  be  the  commit- 
tee's reason  for  having  delayed  this  business? 

I  know  not  whether  Charles  was  the  author,  but  I 
understood  it  to  be  him. 

A  good  and  well-cultivated  mind,  is  greatly  pre- 
ferable to  rank  or  riches. 

II  hen  charity  to  the  poor  is  governed  by  know- 
ledge and  prudence,  every  one  admits  it  to  be  a  virti  • 

His  greatest  concern,  and  highest  enjoyment,  was 
to  be  approved  in  the  sight  of  his  Creator. 

Let  as  not  set  our  hearts  on  so  mutable,  so  unsatis- 
fying a  world. 


E4 


1()4*  key.  (Promiscuous. 

SECTION  5. 
Exercises,  p.  133. 

Shall  you  attain  success,,  without  that  preparation, 
and  escape  dangers  without  that  precaution,  which 
are  required  of  others  ? 

When  we  see  bad  men  honoured  and  prosperous 
in  the  world,  it  is  some  discouragement  to  virtue. 

The  furniture  was  all  purchased  at  Wentworth's 
the  joiner. 

Every  member  of  the  body,  every  bone,  joint, 
and  muscle,  lies  exposed  to  many  disorders  ;  and  the 
greatest  prudence  or  precaution,  or  the  deepest  skill 
of  the  physician,  is  not  sufficient  to  prevent  them. 

It  is  rightly  said,  that  though  frith  justifies  us,  yet 
works  must  justify  our  faith. 

If  an  academy  be  established  for  the  cultivation  of 
our  language,  let  the  members  of  it  stop  the  license  of 
translators  ;  whose  idleness  and  ignorance,  if  they  be 
suffered  to  proceed,  will  reduce  us  to  babble  a  dialect 
of  French, 

It  is  of  great  consequence  that  a  teacher  should 
firmly  believe,  both  the  truth  and  the  importance  of 
those  principles  which  he  inculcates  on  others;  and 
not  only  that  he  should  speculatively  believe  them,  but 
have  a  lively  and  serious  feeling  of  them. 

It  is  not  the  uttering,  or  the  hearing  of  certain 
words,  that  constitutes  the  worship  of  the  Almighty. 
It  is  the  heart  that  praises,  or  prays.  If  the  heart 
accompanies  not  the  words  that  are  spoken,  we  olTer 
the  sacrifice  of  fools. 

Neither  flatter  nor  contemn  the  rich  or  the  great. 

He  has  travelled  much,  and  passed  through  many 
storm  v  seas,  and  over  extensive  tracts  of  land. 


Promiscuous.)  syntax.  1(^5 

You  must  be  sensible  that  there  is,  and  can  he 
no  other  person  than  myself,  who  could  give  the  in- 
formation desired.     Or — no  person  but  myself,  &c 

To  be  patient,  resigned,  and  thankful,  under  afflic- 
tions and  disappointments,  demonstrates  genuine  piety. 

Alvarez  was  a  man  of  corrupt  principles,  and 
detestable  conduct;  and,  what  is  still  worse,  he 
gloried  in  his  shame. 

As  soon  as  the  sense  of  a  Supreme  Being  is  lost, 
the  great  check  is  taken  oiY,  which  keeps  under  re- 
straint the  passions  of  men.  Mean  desires,  and  low 
pleasures,  take  place  of  the  greater  and  nobler  sen- 
timents which  reason  and  religion  inspire. 

We  should  be  careful  not  to  follow  the  example 
of  many  persons,  uho  censure  the  opinions,  manners, 
and  customs  of  others,  merely  because  they  are 
foreign  to  them. 

Steady  application,  as  well  as  genius  and  abilities, 
is  necessary  to  produce  eminence. 

There  are,  in  that  seminary,  several  students  who 
are  considerably  skilled  in  mathematical  knowledge. 

If  Providence  clothes  the  grass  of  the  field,  and 
shelters  and  adorns  the  flowers  that  every  where 
grow  wild  amongst  it,  will  he  not  much  more  clothe 
and  protect  his  servants  and  children: 

We  are  too  often  hurried  by  the  violence  ot 
passion,  or  ensnared  by  the  allurements  of  pleasure. 

High  hopes,  and  florid  views,  are  great  enemies  to 
tranquillity. 

Year  alter  year  steals  something  from  us;  till  the 
decay ing  fabric  totter  of  itself,  and  crumble  at  leni 
into  dust.     <  hr — shall  totter,  kc. 

I   had  intended    to  finish    the  letter  before    the 

E5 


106  key.  (Promiscuous. 

bearer  called,  that  he  might  not  be  detained ;  but  I 
was  prevented  by  company. 

George  is  the  most  learned  and  accomplished  of 
all  the  students  that  belong  to  the  seminary. 

This  excellent  and  well  written  treatise,  with 
others  that  might  be  mentioned,  was  the  founda- 
tion of  his  love  of  study. 

There  can  be  no  doubt  that  the  pleasures  of  the 
mind  excel  those  of  sense. 

section  6. 
Exercises,  p.  135. 

The  grand  temple  consisted  of  one  great  edifice, 
and  several  smaller  ones. 

Many  would  gladly  exchange  their  honours, 
beauty,  and  riches,  for  that  more  quiet  and  humble 
station,  with  which  you  are  now  dissatisfied. 

Though  the  scene  was  a  very  affecting  one,  Louis 
showed  little  emotion  on  the  occasion. 

The  climate  of  England  is  not  so  pleasant  as  that 
of  France,  Spain,  or  Italy. 

Much  of  the  good  and  evil  that  happen  to  us  in 
this  world,  is  owing  to  apparently  undesigned  and 
fortuitous  events :  but  it  is  the  Supreme  Being  who 
secretly  directs  and  regulates  all  things. 

To  despise  others  on  account  of  their  poverty,  or 
to  value  ourselves  for  our  wealth,  is  a  disposition 
highly  culpable. 

This  task  was  the  more  easily  performed,  from  the 
cheerfulness  with  which  he  engaged  in  it. 

She  lamented  the  unhappy  fate  of  Lucretia,  whose 
name  seemed  to  her  another  word  for  chastity. 


Promiscuous.)  syntax.  107 

He  has  not  yet  cast  oft' all  regard  for  decency  ;  and 
this  is  the  most  that  can  be  advanced  in  his  favour. 

The  girls3  school  was  formerly  better  conducted 
than  the  boys'.     Or — than  that  of  the  boys. 

The  loss  of  his  much-loved  friend,  or  the  disap- 
pointments he  has  met  with,  hate  occasioned  the  total 
derangement  of  his  mental  powers. 

The  concourse  of  people  was  so  great,  that  we 
passed  with  difficulty 

All  the  women,  children,  and  treasure,  that  re- 
mained in  the  city,  fell  under  the  victor's  power. 

They  have  already  made  great  progress  in  their 
studies,  and,  if  attention  and  diligence  continue,  they 
will  soon  fulfil  the  expectations  of  their  friends. 

His  propensity  to  this  vice,  against  every  prin- 
ciple of  interest  and  honour,  is  amazing. 

This  kind  of  vice,  though  it  inhabits  the  upper 
circles  of  life,  is  not  less  pernicious,  than  that  which 
we  meet  with  amongst  the  lowest  of  men. 

He  acted  agreeably  to  the  dictates  of  prudence, 
though  he  was  in  a  situation  exceedingly  delicate. 

If  1  had  known  the  distress  of  my  friend,  it  would 
have  been  my  duty  to  relieve  him;  and  it  would 
always  have  yielded  me  pleasure  to  have  granted,  him 
that  relief. 

They  admired  the  candour  and  uprightness,  of  the 
country  man,   as  they  called  him. 

The  set  <>f  nevj  curtains  did  not  correspond  to  the 
pair  of  old  blinds. 

The  tutor  commends  him  for  being  more  studious 
than  any  other  pupil  of  the  school.  Or— for  bung 
the  most  studious  pupil  of  the  school. 

E6 


108  key.  ( Promiscuous. 

Two  principles  in  human  nature  reign  ; 
Self-love  to  urge,  and  reason  to  restrain  : 
Nor  this  a  good,  nor  that  a  bad  we  call; 
Each  works  its  end,  to  move  or  govern  all. 

Temperance  and  exercise,  how  little  soever  they 
may  be  regarded,  are  the  best  means  of  preserving 
health. 

He  has  greatly  blessed  me;  yes,  even  me,  who, 
loaded  with  kindness,  have  not  been  sufficiently 
grateful. 

No  persons  feel  so  much  the  distresses  of  others,  as 
they  who  have  experienced  distress  themselves. 

section  7. 
Exercises,  p.  137. 

Constantinople  was  the  point,  in  which  were  con- 
centrated the  learning  and  science  of  the  world. 

Disgrace  not  your  station,  by  that  grossness  of 
sensuality,  that  levity  of  dissipation,  or  that  inso- 
lence of  rank,  which  bespeaks  a  little  mind. 

A  circle,  a  square,  a  triangle,  or  a  hexagon,  pleases 
the  eye  by  its  regularity,  as  a  beautiful  figure. 

His  conduct  was  equally  unjust  and  dishonourable. 
Or — was  as  unjust  as  it  ivas  dishonourable. 

Though,  at  first,  he  began  to  defend  himself,  yet, 
when  the  proofs  appeared  against  him,  he  durst  not 
any  longer  contend. 

Many  persons  will  not  believe  that  they  are  in- 
fluenced by  prejudices.  Or — Many  persons  believe  that 
they  are  free  from  prejudices. 

The  pleasure  or  pain  of  one  passion,  differs  from 
that  of  another. 


Promiscuous.)  syntax.  10l> 

The  rise  and  fall  of  the  tides,  in  this  place,  make  a 
difference  of  about  twelve  feet. 

Five  and  seven  make  twelve,  and  one  make  thir- 
teen. 

He  did  not  know  whom  to  suspect. 
I  intended  yesterday  to  walk  out,  but  I  was  again 
disappointed. 

The  court  of  Spain,  which  gave  the  order,  ivas 
not  aware  of  the  consequence. 

If  the  acquisitions  which  he  has  made,  and  which 
have  qualified  him  to  be  a  useful  member  of  society, 
should  be  misapplied,  he  will  be  highly  culpable. 

There  was  much  spoken  and  written  on  each  side 
of  the  question;  but  I  have  chosen  to  suspend  my 
decision. 

Were  there  no  bad  men  in  the  world,  to  vex  and 
distress  the  good,  these  might  appear  in  the  light  of 
harmless  innocence ;  but  they  could  have  no  oppor- 
tunity of  displaying  fidelity,  magnanimity,  patience, 
and  fortitude. 

The  most  ignorant  and  savage  tribes  of  men,  when 
they  looked  round  on  the  earth,  and  the  heavens, 
could  not  avoid  ascribing  their  origin  to  some  invi- 
sible, designing  cause,  and  feeling  a  propensity  to 
adore  their  Creator. 

Let  us  not  forget,  that  something  more  than 
gentleness  and  modesty,  than  complacency  of  tem- 
per and  affability  of  manners  is  requisite  to  form 
a  worthy  man,  or  a  true  Christian. 

One  of  the  first,  and  the  most  common  extremes 

in  moral  conduct,  is  that  of  placing  all  virtue  either  in 

justice,  on  the  one  hand,  or  in  generosity,  on  the  other. 

It  is  an  inflexible  regar-l   to  principle,   which   has 


1 1 0  key.  (Promiscuous. 

ever  marked  the  characters  of  those  who  have  eminently 
distinguished  themselves  in  public  life;  who  have  pa- 
tronised the  cause  of  justice  against  powerful  op- 
pressors; who,  in  critical  times,  have  supported  the 
falling  rights  and  liberties  of  men;  and  have  reflected 
honour  on  their  nation  and  country. 

When  it  is  with  regard  to  trifles,  that  diversity  or 
contrariety  of  opinions  shows  itself,  it  is  childish  in 
the  last  degree,  if  this  become  the  ground  of  estranged 
affection.  When,  from  such  a  cause,  there  arises  any 
breach  of  friendship,  human  weakness  is  discovered 
in  a  mortifying  light.  In  matters  of  serious  moment, 
the  sentiments  of  the  best  and  worthiest  may  vary 
from  those  of  their  friends,  according  as  their  lines  of 
life  diverge,  or  as  their  temper,  and  habits  of  thought, 
"present  objects  under  different  points  of  view.  But 
by  candid  and  liberal  minds,  unity  of  affection  will 
still  be  preserved. 

Desires  and  washes  are  the  first  springs  of  action. 
When  they  become  exorbitant,  the  whole  character 
is  likely  to  be  tainted.  If  we  suffer  our  fancy  to 
create  to  itself,  worlds  of  ideal  happiness ;  if  we  feed 
our  imagination  with  plans  of  opulence  and  splen- 
dour; if  we  fix  to  our  wishes  certain  stages  of  high 
advancement,  or  certain  degrees  of  uncommon  re- 
putation, as  the  sole  stations  of  felicity  ;  the  assured 
consequence  ivill  be,  that  we  shall  become  unhappy 
in  our  present  state;  unfit  for  acting  the  part,  and 
discharging  the  duties  that  belong  to  it;  we  shall 
discompose  the  peace  and  order  of  our  minds,  and 
shall  foment  many  hurtful  passions. 

Maria  always  appears  amiable.  She  never  speaks 
severely  or  contemptuous! y% 


PART    IV. 

Punctuation, 


CHAPTER  L 

Containing  applications  of  the  Comma,  disposed  undct 
the  particular  Rules. 

Grammar,  p.  257.     Exercises,  p.  141. 


RULE  I. 

The  tear  of  repentance  brings  its  own  relief. 

Manhood   is   disgraced    by   the   consequences    of 
neglected  youth. 

Idleness  is  the  great  fomenter  of  all   corruptions 
in  the  human  heart. 

It  is  honourable  to  be  a  friend  to  the  unfortunate. 

All  finery  is  a  sign  of  littleness. 

Slovenliness  and  indelicacy  of  character  commonly 
go  hand  in  hand. 

The    friend  of  order   has   made  half  his   way   to 
virtue. 

Too  many  of  the   pretended  friendships  of  youth, 
are  mere  combinations  in  pleasure. 

The  indulgence  of  harsh  dispositions,  is  the  intro- 
duction to  future  misery. 

The  intermixture  of  evil  in  human  society,  sen 
to   exercise  the  suffering  graces  and  virtues  ot  the 
good. 


112  key.  (Comma. 

rule  n. 
Grammar,  p.  '258.     Exercises,  p.  142. 

Gentleness  is,  in  truth,  the  great  avenue  to  mutual 
enjoyment. 

Charity,  like  the  sun,  brightens  all  its  objects. 

The  tutor,  by  instruction  and  discipline,  lays  the 
foundation  of  the  pupil's  future  honour. 

Trials,  in  this  stage  of  being,  are  the  lot  of  man. 

No  assumed  behaviour  can  always  hide  the  real 
character. 

The  best  men  often  experience  disappointments. 

Advice  should  be  seasonably  administered. 

t 

RULE  III, 

Self-conceit,  presumption,  and  obstinacy,  blast  the 
prospect  of  many  a  youth. 

In  our  health,  life,  possessions,  connexions,  plea- 
sures, there  are  causes  of  decay  imperceptibly  work- 
ins;. 

Discomposed  thoughts,  agitated  passions,  and  a 
ruffled  temper,  poison  every  pleasure  of  life. 

Vicissitudes  of  good  and  evil,  of  trials  and  conso- 
lations, fill  up  the  life  of  man. 

Health  and  peace,  a  moderate  fortune,  and  a  few 
friends,  sum  up  all  the  undoubted  articles  of  tempo- 
ral felicity. 

We  have  no  reason  to  complain  of  the  lot  of  man, 
or  of  the  world's  mutability. 


Comma.)  punctuation.  113 

RULE  IV. 

Grammar,  p.  259.     Exercises,  p.  142. 

Aii  idle,   trifling  society  is  near  akin  to  such  as  i 
corrupting. 

Conscious  guilt  renders  us  mean-spirited,  timorous, 
and  base. 

An  upright  mind  will  never  be  at  a  loss  to  discern 
what  is  just  and  true,  lovely,  honest,  and  of  good  re- 
port. 

The  vicious  man  is  often  looking  round  him,  with 
anxious  and  fearful  circumspection. 

True  friendship  will,  at  all  times,  avoid  a  careless 
or  roush  behaviour. 

Time  brings  a  gentle  and  powerful  opiate  to  all 
misfortunes. 

RULE  V. 

The  man  of  virtue  and  honour  will  be  trusted,  re- 
lied upon,  and  esteemed. 

Deliberate  slowly,  execute  promptly. 

A  true  friend  unbosoms  freely,  advises  justly, 
assists  readily,  adventures  boldly,  takes  all  patiently, 
defends  resolutely,  and  continues  a  friend  unchange- 
ably 

Sensuality  contaminates  the  body,  depresses  the 
understanding,  deadens  the  moral  feelings  of  the 
heart,  and  degrades  man  from  his  rank  in  the  crea- 
tion. 

Idleness  brings  forward  and  nourishes  many  bad 
passions. 

We  must  stand  or  fall  by  our  own  conduct  and 
character. 


114  key.  (Comma. 

The  man  of  order  catches  and  arrests  the  hours  as 
they  fly. 

The  great  business  of  life  is,  to  be  employed  in 
doing  justly,  loving  mercy,  and  walking  humbly 
with  our  Creator. 


RULE  VI. 

Grammar,  p.  260.     Exercises,  p.  144. 

This  unhappy  person  had  often  been  seriously, 
affectionately  admonished,  but  in  vain. 

To  live  soberly,  righteously,  and  piously,  compre- 
hends the  whole  of  our  duty. 

When  thy  friend  is  calumniated,  openly  and 
boldly  espouse  his  cause. 

Benefits  should  be  long  and  gratefully  remem- 
bered. 


RULE  VII. 

True  gentleness  is  native  feeling,  heightened  and 
improved  by  principle. 

The  path  of  piety  and  virtue,  pursued  with  a  firm 
and  constant  spirit,  will  assuredly  lead  to  happiness. 

Human  affairs  are  in  continual  motion  and  fluctu- 
ation, altering  their  appearance  every  moment,  and 
passing  into  some  new  forms. 

What  can  be  said  to  alarm  those  of  their  danger, 
who,  intoxicated  with  pleasures,  become  giddy  and 
insolent ;  who,  flattered  by  the  illusions  of  prosperity, 
make  light  of  ever v  serious  admonition,  which  their 
friends,  and  the  changes  of  the  world,  give  them? 


Comma.)  punctuation.  115 

RULE  VIII. 
Grammar,  p.  260.     Exercises,  p.  144. 

If,  from  any  internal  cause,  a  man's  peace  of  mind 
be  disturbed,  in  vain  we  load  him  with  riches  or  ho- 
nours. 

Gentleness  delights,  above  all  things,  to  alleviate 
distress;  and,  if  it  cannot  dry  up  the  falling  tear,  to 
sooth  at  least  the  CTievinsr  heart. 

Wherever  Christianity  prevails,  it  has  discouraged, 
and,  in  some  degree,  abolished  slavery. 

We  may  rest  assured  that,  by  the  steady  pursuit 
of  virtue,  we  shall  obtain  and  enjoy  it. 

RULE  IX. 

Continue,  my  dear  child,  to  make  virtue  thy  prin- 
cipal study. 

To  you,  my  worthy  benefactors,  am  I  indebted, 
under  Providence,  for  all  I  enjoy. 

Canst  thou  expect,  thou  betrayer  of  innocence,  to 
escape  the  hand  of  vengeance  ? 

Come  then,  companion  of  my  toils,  let  us  take 
fresh  courage,  persevere,  and  hope  to  the  end. 

rule  x. 

Peace  of  mind  being  secured,  we  may  smile  at 
misfortunes. 

Virtue  abandoned,  and  conscience  reproaching  us, 
we  become  terrified  with  imaginary  evils. 


1 1 6  key.  (Comma. 

Charles  having  been  deprived  of  the  help  of  tutors, 
his  studies  became  totally  neglected. 

To  prevent  further  altercation,  I  submitted  to  the 
terms  proposed. 

To  enjoy  present  pleasure,  he  sacrificed  his  future 
ease  and  reputation. 

To  say  the  least,  they  have  betrayed  great  want 
of  prudence. 

RULE  XI. 

Grammar,  p.  261.     Exercises,  p.  145. 

Hope,  the  balm  of  life,  sooths  us  under  every  mis- 
fortune. 

Content,  the  offspring  of  virtue,  dwells  both  in 
retirement,  and  in  the  active  scenes  of  life. 

Confucius,  the  great  Chinese  philosopher,  was 
eminently  good,  as  well  as  wise. 

The  patriarch  Joseph,  is  an  illustrious  example  of 
chastity,  resignation,  and  filial  affection. 

RULE  XII. 

Nothing  is  so  opposite  to  the  true  enjoyment  of 
life,  as  the  relaxed  and  feeble  state  of  an  indolent 
mind. 

The  more  a  man.  speaks  of  himself,  the  less  he 
likes  to  hear  another  talked  of. 

Nothing  more  strongly  inculcates  resignation,  than 
the  experience  of  our  own  inability  to  guide  our- 
selves. 

The  friendships  of  the  world,  can  subsist  no  longer 
than  interest  cements  them. 


Comma.)  punctuation.  1 17 

Expect  no  more  from  the  world  than  it  is  able  to 
afford  you. 


RULE  XIII. 
Grammar,  p.  261.     Exercises,  p.  146. 

He  who  is  a  stranger  to  industry,  may  possess,  but 
he  cannot  enjoy. 

Contrition,  though  it  may  melt,  ought  not  to  sink 
or  overpower  the  heart  of  a  Christian. 

The  goods  of  this  world  were  given  to  man  for 
his  occasional  refreshment,  not  for  his  chief  felicity. 

It  is  the  province  of  superiors  to  direct,  of  infe- 
riors to  obey;  of  the  learned,  to  be  instructive,  of  the 
ignorant,  to  be  docile;  of  the  old,  to  be  communica- 
tive, of  the  young,  to  be  attentive  and  diligent. 

Though  unavoidable  calamities  make  a  part,  yet 
they  make  not  the  chief  part,  of  the  vexations  and 
sorrows  that  distress  human  life. 

An  inquisitive  and  meddling  spirit,  often  inter- 
rupts the  good  order,  and  breaks  the  peace  of  society* 


RULE  xiv. 

Vice  is  not  of  such  a  nature,  that  we  can  say  to  it, 
"  Hitherto  shalt  thou  come,  and  no  further." 

One  of  the  noblest  of  the  Christian  virtues,  is,  "to 
love  our  enemies." 

Many  too  confidently  say  to  themselves,  "  My 
mountain  stands  strong,  and  it  shall  never  be  re- 
moved." 

We  are  strictly  enjoined,  "not  to  follow  a  multi- 
tude to  do  evil." 


1 1 8  key.  (Comma. 

RULE  xv. 
Grammar,  p.  262.     Exercises,  p.  147. 

The  gentle  mind  is  like  the  smooth  stream,  which 
reflects  every  object  in  its  just  proportion,  and  in  its 
fairest  colours. 

Beware  of  those  rash  and  dangerous  connexions, 
which  may  afterwards  load  you  with  dishonour. 

Blind  must  that  man  be,  who  discerns  not  the  most 
striking  marks  of  a  Divine  government,  exercised 
over  the  world. 

It  is  labour  only  which  gives  the  relish  to  pleasure. 

In  that  unaffected  civility  which  springs  from  a 
gentle  mind,  there  is  an  incomparable  charm. 

They  who  raise  envy,  will  easily  incur  censure. 

Many  of  the  evils  which  occasion  our  complaints 
of  the  world,  are  wholly  imaginary. 

He  who  is  good  before  invisible  witnesses,  is  emi- 
nently so  before  the  visible. 

His  conduct,  so  disinterested  and  generous,  was 
universally  approved. 

RULE  XVI. 

The  fumes  which  arise  from  a  heart  boiling  with 
violent  passions,  never  fail  to  darken  and  trouble  the 
understanding. 

If  we  delay  till  to-morrow  what  ought  to  be  done 
to-day,  we  overcharge  the  morrow  with  a  burden 
which  belongs  not  to  it. 

By  whatever  means  we  may  at  first  attract  the  at- 
tention, we  can  hold  the  esteem,  and  secure  the  hearts 
of  others,  only  by  amiable  dispositions;  and  the  ac- 
complishments of  the  mind. 


Comma.)  punctuation.  119 

If  the  mind  sow  not  corn,  it  will  plant  thistles. 

One  day  i>  sufficient  to  scatter  our  prosperity,  and 
bring  it  to  nought. 

Graceful  in  youth,  are  the  tears  of  sympathy,  and 
the  heart  that  melts  at  the  tale  of  wo. 

The  ever  active  and  restless  power  of  thought,  if 
not  employed  about  what  is  good,  will  naturally  and 
unavoidably  engender  evil. 

He  who  formed  the  heart  certainly  knows  what 
passes  within  it. 

To  be  humble  and  modest  in  opinion,  to  be  vigi- 
lant and  attentive  in  conduct,  to  distrust  fair  apppear- 
ances,  and  to  restrain  rash  desires,  are  instructions 
which  the  darkness  of  our  present  state  should 
strongly  inculcate. 

rule  xv II. 
Grammar,  p.  263.     Exercises,  p.  149. 

The  greatest  misery  is,  to  be  condemned  by  our 
own  hearts. 

The  greatest  misery  that  we  can  endure,  is,  to  be 
condemned  by  our  own  hearts. 

Charles's  highest  enjoyment  was,  to  relieve  the 
distressed,  and  to  do  good. 

The  highest  enjoyment  that  Charles  ever  experi- 
enced, was,  to  relieve  the  distressed,  and  to  do  good. 


R"   LF  XV  II1« 

If  opulence  incn  as<     our  gratifications,  it  increases, 
in  the  same  proportion,  our  desires  and  demands. 
He  whose  wishes  respecting  the  possessions  of  this 


1 20  key.  (Comma. 

world,  are  the  most  reasonable  and  bounded,  is  likely 
to  lead  the  safest,  and,  for  that  reason,  the  most  de- 
sirable life. 

By  aspiring  too  high,  we  frequently  miss  the  hap- 
piness, which,  by  a  less  ambitious  aim,  we  might 
have  gained. 

By  proper  management,  we  prolong  our  time  :  we 
live  more,  in  a  few  years,  than  others  do  in  many. 

In  your  most  secret  actions,  suppose  that  you  have 
all  the  world  for  witnesses. 

In  youth,  the  habits  of  industry  are  most  easily  ac- 
quired. 

What  is  the  right  path,  few  take  the  trouble  of 
inquiring. 

rule  xix: 
Grammar,  p.  263.     Exercises,  p.  149. 

Providence  never  intended,  that  any  state  here 
should  be  either  completely  happy,  or  entirely  miser- 
able. 

As  a  companion,  he  was  severe  and  satirical ;  as  a 
friend,  captious  and  dangerous ;  in  his  domestic 
sphere,  harsh,  jealous,  and  irascible. 

If  the  Spring  put  forth  no  blossoms,  in  Summer 
there  will  be  no  beauty,  and  in  Autumn,  no  fruit.  So, 
if  youth  be  trifled  away  without  improvement,  man- 
hood will  be  contemptible,  and  old  age,  miserable. 

RULE  xx. 

Be  assured,  then,  that  order,  frugality,  and  eco- 
nomy, are  the  necessary  supports  of  every  personal 
and  private  virtue. 


Semicolon,  tfc.)        punctuation.  121 

I  proceed,  secondly,  to  point  out  the  proper  state 
of  our  temper,  with  respect  to  one  another. 

Here,  every  thing  is  in  stir  and  fluctuation;  there, 
all  is  serene,  steady,  and  orderly. 

I  shall  make  some  observations,  first,  on  the 
external,  and  next,  on  the  internal,  condition  of 
man. 

Sometimes,  timidity  and  false  shame  prevent  our 
opposing  vicious  customs;  frequently,  expectation 
and  interest  impel  us  strongly  to  comply. 


CHAPTER  II. 

Containing  insertions  of  the  Semicolon  and  Comma. 
Grammar,  p.  264.     Exercises,  p.  150. 

That  darkness  of  character,  where  we  can  see  no 
heart ;  those  foldings  of  art,  through  which  no  native 
affection  is  allowed  to  penetrate;  present  an  object, 
unamiable  in  every  season  of  life,  but  particularly 
odious  in  youth. 

To  give  an  early  preference  to  honour  above  gain, 
when  they  stand  in  competition  ;  to  despise  every 
advantage  which  cannot  be  attained  without  dis- 
honest arts  ;  to  brook  no  meanness,  and  to  stoop  to  no 
dissimulation;  are  the  indications  of  a  great  mind, 
the  presages  of  future  eminence  and  usefulness  in 
life. 

As  there  is  a  worldly  happiness,  which  God  per- 
ceives to  be  no  other  than  disguised  misery  ;  as  there 
are  worldly  honours,  which,  in  his  estimation,  are  re- 

F 


122  key.  -     (Semicolon,  fyc. 

proach  ;  so  there  is  a  worldly  wisdom,  which  in  his 
sight,  is  foolishness. 

The  passions  are  the  chief  destroyers  of  our  peace; 
the  storms  and  tempests  of  the  moral  world. 

Heaven  is  the  region  of  gentleness  and  friendship; 
hell,  of  fierceness  and  animosity. 

The  path  of  truth,  is  a  plain  and  a  safe  path;  that 
of  falsehood,  is  a  perplexing  maze. 

Modesty  is  one  of  the  chief  ornaments  of  youth;  and 
it  has  ever  been  esteemed  a  presage  of  rising  merit. 

Life,  with  a  swift,  though  insensible  course,  glides 
away  ;  and,  like  a  river  which  undermines  its  banks, 
gradually  impairs  our  state. 

The  violent  spirit,  like  troubled  waters,  renders 
back  the  images  of  things  distorted  and  broken;  and 
communicates  to  them  all  that  disordered  motion, 
which  arises  solely  from  its  own  agitation. 

Levity  is  frequently  the  forced  production  of  folly 
or  vice;  cheerfulness  is  the  natural  offspring  of  wis- 
dom and  virtue  only. 

Persons  who  live  according  to  order,  maybe  com- 
pared to  the  celestial  bodies,  which  move  in  regular 
courses,  and  by  stated  laws;  whose  influence  is  bene- 
ficent ;  whose  operations  are  quiet  and  tranquil. 


(      123     ) 
CHAPTER  III. 

Containing  applications  of  the  Colon,  6>;c. 
Grammar,  p.  265.     Exercises,  p.  152. 

The  three  great  enemies  to  tranquillity,  are  vice, 
superstition,  and  idleness  :  vice,  which  poisons  and 
disturbs  the  mind  with  bad  passions;  superstition, 
which  fills  it  with  imaginary  terrors;  idleness,  which 
loads  it  with  tediousness  and  disgust. 

To  sail  on  the  tranquil  surface  of  an  unruffled  lake, 
and  to  steer  a  safe  course  through  a  troubled  and 
stormy  ocean,  require  different  talents  :  and,  ala>  ! 
human  life  oftener  resembles  the  stormv  ocean,  than 
the  unruffled  lake. 

When  we  look  forward  to  the  year  which  is  be- 
ginning, what  do  we  behold  there  ?  All,  my  brethren, 
is  a  blank  to  our  view:  a  dark  unknown  presents 
itself. 

Happy  would  the  poor  man  think  himself,  if  he 
could  enter  on  all  the  treasures  of  the  rich  :  and  happy 
for  a  short  time  he  mi^ht  be:  but  before  he  had  lonir 
contemplated  and  admired  his  state,  nis  possessions 
would  seem  to  lessen,  and  his  cares  wouid  grow. 

By  doing,  or  at.  least  endeavouring  to  do,  our  duty 
to  (iod  and  man  ;  by  acquiring  an  humble  trust  in  the 
mercy  and  favour  of  God,  through  Jesus  Christ ;  by 
cultivating  <;ur  minds,  and  properly  employing  our 
time  and  thoughts  ;  by  governing  our  passions  and 
our  temper  ;  by  correcting  ail  unreasonable  expecta- 
tions from  the  world,  and  from  men  ;  and,  in  the 
midst   of  worldly  business,   habituating  ourselves  to 

F  2 


1 24  key.  (Colon,  fyc. 

calm  retreat  and  serious  recollection :  by  such  means 
as  these,  it  may  be  hoped,  that,  through  the  Divine 
blessing,  our  days  shall  flow  in  a  stream  as  unruffled 
as  the  human  state  admits. 

A  Metaphor  is  a  comparison,  expressed  in  an 
abridged  form,  but  without  any  of  the  words  that 
denote  comparison :  as,  "  To  the  upright  there  ariseth 
light  in  darkness." 

All  our  conduct  towards  men,  should  be  influenced 
by  this  important  precept :  "  Do  unto  others,  as  you 
would  that  others  should  do  unto  you." 

Philip  III.  king  of  Spain,  when  he  drew  near  the 
end  of  his  days,  seriously  reflecting  on  his  past  life, 
and  greatly  affected  with  the  remembrance  of  his 
mispent  time,  expressed  his  deep  regret  in  these 
terms :  "  Ah !  how  happy  would  it  have  been  for 
me,  had  I  spent,  in  retirement,  these  twenty-three 
years,  that  I  have  possessed  my  kingdom!" 

Often  is  the  smile  of  gaiety  assumed,  whilst  the 
heart  aches  within:  though  folly  may  laugh,  guilt 
will  sting. 

There  is  no  mortal  truly  wise  and  restless  at  once  : 
wisdom  is  the  repose  of  minds. 


(      125     ) 


CHAPTER  IV. 

Containing  insertions  of  the  Period,  fyc. 
Grammar,  p.  266.     Exercises,  p.  154. 

The  absence  of  evil  is  a  real  good.  Peace,  quiet, 
exemption  from  pain,  should  be  a  continual  feast. 

Worldly  happiness  ever  tends  to  destroy  itself,  by 
corrupting  the  heart.  It  fosters  the  loose  and  the 
violent  passions.  It  engenders  noxious  habits;  and 
taints  the  mind  with  false  delicacy,  which  makes  it 
feel  a  thousand  unreal  evils. 

Feeding  the  hungry,  clothing  the  naked,  com- 
forting the  afflicted,  yield  more  pleasure  than  we  re- 
ceive from  those  actions  which  respect  only  our- 
selves. Benevolence  may,  in  this  view,  be  termed 
the  most  refined  self-love. 

The  resources  of  virtue  remain  entire,  when  the 
days  of  trouble  come.  They  remain  with  us  in 
sickness,  as  in  health ;  in  poverty,  as  in  the  midst  of 
riches;  in  our  dark  and  solitary  hours,  no  less  than 
when  surrounded  with  friends  and  cheerful  society. 
The  mind  of  a  good  man  is  a  kingdom  to  him,  and 
he  can  always  enjoy  it. 

We  ruin  the  happiness  of  life,  when  we  attempt 
to  raise  it  too  high.  A  tolerable  and  comfortable 
state,  is  all  that  we  can  propose  to  ourselves  on 
earth.  Peace  and  contentment,  not  bliss,  nor  tran- 
sport, are  the  full  portion  of  man.  Perfect  joy  is  re- 
served for  heaven. 

ii'  we  look  around  us,  we  shall   perceive  that  the 

F3 


126  key.  (Period,  fyc. 

whole  universe  is  full  of  active  powers.  Action 
is  indeed  the  genius  of  nature.  By  motion  and 
exertion,  the  system  of  being  is  preserved  in  vigour. 
By  its  different  parts  always  acting  in  subordination 
one  to  another,  the  perfection  of  the  whole  is  carried 
on.  The  heavenly  bodies  perpetually  revolve.  Day 
and  night  incessantly  repeat  their  appointed  course. 
Continual  operations  are  going  on  in  the  earth,  and 
in  the  waters.     Nothing  stands  still. 

Constantine  the  Great,  was  advanced  to  the  sole 
dominion  of  the  Roman  World,  A.  D.  325;  and  soon 
after  openly  professed  the  Christian  faith. 

The  letter  concludes  with  this  remarkable  Post- 
script: "P.  S.  Though  I  am  innocent  of  the  charge, 
and  have  been  bitterly  persecuted,  yet  I  cordially 
forgive  my  enemies  and  persecutors." 

The  last  edition  of  that  valuable  work,  was  care- 
fully compared  with  the  Original  MS, 


(      127     ) 


CHAPTER     V. 

Containing  applications  of  the  Dash ;  of  the  Notes 
of  Interrogation  and  Exclamation;  and  of  the  Pa- 
renthetical characters. 

Grammar,  p.  267.     Exercises,  p.  156. 

Beauty  and  strength,  combined  with  virtue  and 
piety, — how  lovely  in  the  sight  of  men !  how  pleasing 
to  Heaven!  peculiarly  pleasing,  because  with  every 
temptation  to  deviate,  they  voluntarily  walk  in  the 
path  of  duty. 

Something  there  is  more  needful  than  expense  ; 
And  something  previous  e'en  to  taste; — 'tis  sense. 

"I'll  live  to  morrow,"  will  a  wise  man  say? 
To-morrow  is  too  late  :— then  live  to-day. 

Gripus  has  long  been  ardently  endeavouring  to  • 
fill  his  chest:  and  lo!  it  is  now  full.  Is  he  happy  ? 
and  does  he  use  it?  Does  he  gratefully  think  of  the 
Giver  of  all  good  things?  Does  he  distribute  to  the 
poor?  Alas!  these  interests  have  no  place  in  his 
breast. 

What  is  there  in  all  the  pomp  of  the  world,  tin 
enjoyments  of  luxury,  the  gratification  of  passion, 
comparable  to  the  tranquil  delight  of  a  good  con- 
science r 

To  lie  down  on  the  pillow,  after  a  day  spent  in 
temperance,   in  beneficence,  and  in  piety,  how  sw<  <  t 


is  it! 


F  4 


128  key.  (Interrogation,  fyc* 

We  wait  till  to-morrow  to  be  happy :  alas !  why 
not  to-day  ?  Shall  we  be  younger  ?  Are  we  sure  we 
shall  be  healthier?  Will  our  passions  become  feebler, 
and  our  love  of  the  world  less  ? 

What  shadow  can  be  more  vain  than  the  life  of  a 
great  part  of  mankind  ?  Of  all  that  eager  and  bustling 
crowd  which  we  behold  on  earth,  how  few  discover 
the  path  of  true  happiness !  How  few  can  we  find, 
whose  activity  has  not  been  misemployed,  and  whose 
course  terminates  not  in  confessions  of  disappoint- 
ment ! 

On  the  one  hand,  are  the  divine  approbation,  and 
immortal  honour;  on  the  other,  (remember  and  be- 
ware,) are  the  stings  of  conscience,  and  endless  in- 
famy. 

As,  in  riper  years,  all  unseasonable  returns  to  the 
levity  of  youth  ought  to  be  avoided,  (an  admonition 
which  equally  belongs  to  both  the  sexes,)  still  more 
are  we  to  guard  against  those  intemperate  indul- 
gences of  pleasure,  to  which  the  young  are  unhappily 
prone. 

The  bliss  of  man,  (could  pride  that  blessing  find,) 
Is  not  to  act  or  think  beyond  mankind. 

Or  why  so  long  (in  life  if  long  can  be) 
Lent  Heav'n  a  parent  to  the  poor  and  me  ? 


(      129     ) 

CHAPTER   VI. 

Corrections  of  the  promiscuous  instances  of  dejec 

Punctuation. 

SECTION    J. 

EXAMPLES   IN    PROSE. 

Exercises,  p.  157. 

When  Socrates  was  asked,  what  man  approached 
the  nearest  to  perfect  happiness,  he  answered  :  "  That 
man  who  lias  the  fewest  wants." 

She  who  studies  her  glass,  neglects  her  heart. 

Between  passion  and  lying,  there  is  not  a  finger's 
breadth. 

The  freer  we  feel  ourselves  in  the  presence  of 
others,  the  more  free  are  they  :  he  who  is  free,  makes 
free. 

Addison  has  remarked,  with  equal  piety  and  truth, 
"  that  the  creation  is  a  perpetual  feast  to  the  mind 
of  a  good  man." 

He  who  shuts  out  all  evasion  when  he  promises 
loves  truth. 

The  laurels  of  the  warrior  are  died  in  blood  ; 
and  bedewed  with  the  tears  of  the  widow  and  the 
orphan. 

Between  fame  and  true  honour,  a  distinction  is 
to  be  made.  The  former  is  a  loud  and  noisv  applause  : 
the  latter,  a  more  silent  ami  internal  homage.  Fame 
floats  on  the  breath  of  the  multitude  :  honour  rest* 
on  the  judgment  of  the  thinking.  Tame  may  gite 
praise,   while   it  withholds  esteem  :    true  honour  im- 

F5 


]30  key.  (Promiscuous. 

plies  esteem  mingled  with  respect.  The  one  regards 
particular  distinguished  talents  :  the  other  looks  up 
to  the  whole  character. 

There  is  a  certain  species  of  religion,  (if  we  can 
give  it  that  name,)  which  is  placed  wholly  in  specu- 
lation and  belief;  in  the  regularity  of  external  ho- 
mage ;   or  in  fiery  zeal  about  contested  opinions. 

Xenophanes,  who  was  reproached  with  being  ti- 
morous, because  he  would  not  venture  his  money  in 
a  game  at  dice,  made  this  manly  and  sensible  reply : 
"  I  confess  I  am  exceedingly  timorous ;  for  I  dare 
not  commit  an  evil  action." 

He  loves  nobly,  (I  speak  of  friendship,)  who  is  not 
jealous,  when  he  has  partners  of  love. 

Our  happiness  consists  in  the  pursuit,  much  more 
than  in  the  attainment,  of  any  temporal  good. 

Let  me  repeat  it ; — he  only  is  great  who  has  the 
habits  of  greatness. 

Prosopopoeia,  or  personification,  is  a  rhetorical 
figure,  by  which  we  attribute  life  and  action  to 
inanimate  objects :  as,  "  The  ground  thirsts  for 
rain  ;"  "  The  earth  smiles  %vith  plenty." 

The  proper  and  rational  conduct  of  men,  with 
regard  to  futurity,  is  regulated  by  two  considera- 
tions :  first,  that  much  of  what  it  contains,  must  re- 
main to  us  absolutely  unknown ;  next,  that  there  are 
also  some  events  in  it,  which  may  be  certainly 
known  and  foreseen. 

The  gardens  of  the  world  produce  only  deci- 
duous flowers.  Perennial  ones  must  be  sought  in  the 
delightful  regions  above.  Roses  without  thorns  are 
the  growth  of  paradise  alone. 

How  many   rules   and   maxims  of  life   might  be 


Promiscuous.)  punctuation.  131 

spared,  could  we  fix  a  principle  of  virtue  within  ; 
and  inscribe  the  living  sentiment  of  the  love  of  Cod 
in  the  affections !  He  who  loves  righteousness,  is 
master  of  all  the  distinctions  in  morality- 
He  who,  from  the  benignity  of  his  nature,  erected 
this  world  for  the  abode  of  men  ;  he  who  furnished 
it  so  richly  for  our  accommodation,  and  stored  it 
with  so  much  beauty  for  our  entertainment ;  he  who, 
since  first  we  entered  into  life,  hath  followed  us 
with  such  a  variety  of  mercies  :  this  amiable  and 
beneficent  Being,  surely  can  have  no  pleasure  in  our 
disappointment  and  distress.  He  knows  our  frame ; 
he  remembers  we  are  dust;  and  looks  to  frail  man, 
we  are  assured,  with  such  pity  as  a  father  beareth 
to  his  children. 

One  of  the  first  lessons,  both  of  re'igion  and  of 
wisdom,  is,  to  moderate  our  expectations  and  hopes; 
and  not  to  set  forth  on  the  voyage  of  life,  like  men 
who  expect  to  be  always  carried  forward  with  a 
favourable  gale.  Let  us  be  satisfied  if  the  path  we 
tread  be  easy  and  smooth,  though  it  be  not  strewed 
with  flowers. 

Providence  never  intended,  that  the  art  of  living 
happily  in  this  world,  should  depend  on  that  deep 
penetration,  that  acute  sagacity,  and  those  refine- 
ments of  thought,  which  few  possess.  It  has  dealt 
more  graciously  with  us  ;  and  made  happiness  de- 
pend on  uprightness  of  intention,  much  more  than 
on  extent  of  capacity. 

.Most  of  our  passions  flatter  us  in  their  rise.  Bui 
their  beginnings  are  treacherous;  their  growth  is 
imperceptible;  and  the  evils  which  they  carry  in 
their  train,    lie   concealed,    until  their   dominion    is 

Fa 


132  key.  (Promiscuous. 

established.  What  Solomon  says  of  one  of  them, 
holds  true  of  them  all,  "  that  their  beginning  is  as 
when  one  letteth  out  water."  It  issues  from  a  small 
chink,  which  once  might  have  been  easily  stopped  ; 
but  being  neglected,  it  is  soon  widened  by  the  stream  ; 
till  the  bank  is  at  last  totally  thrown  down,  and  the 
flood  is  at  liberty  to  deluge  the  whole  plain. 

Prosperity  debilitates,  instead  of  strengthening 
the  mind.  Its  most  common  effect  is,  to  create  an 
extreme  sensibility  to  the  slightest  wound.  It  fo- 
ments impatient  desires ;  and  raises  expectations 
which  no  success  can  satisfy.  It  fosters  a  false  deli- 
cacy, which  sickens  in  the  midst  of  indulgence.  By 
repeated  gratification,  it  blunts  the  feelings  of  men 
to  what  is  pleasing;  and  leaves  them  unhappily  acute 
to  whatever  is  uneasy.  Hence,  the  gale  which  ano- 
ther would  scarcely  feel,  is,  to  the  prosperous,  a  rude 
tempest.  Hence,  the  rose-leaf  doubled  below  them 
on  the  couch,  as  it  is  told  of  the  effeminate  Sybarite, 
breaks  their  rest.  Hence,  the  disrespect  shown  by 
Mordecai,  preyed  with  such  violence  on  the  heart 
of  Ham  an. 

Anxiety  is  the  poison  of  human  life.  It  is  the 
parent  of  many  sins,  and  of  more  miseries.  In  a 
world  where  every  thing  is  so  doubtful ;  where  we 
may  succeed  in  our  wish,  and  be  miserable  ;  where 
we  may  be  disappointed,  and  be  blessed  in  the  dis- 
appointment ;  what  mean  this  restless  stir  and  com- 
motion of  mind  ?  Can  our  solicitude  alter  the  course, 
or  unravel  the  intricacy,  of  human  events?  Can  our 
curiosity  pierce  through  the  cloud,  which  the  Su- 
preme Being  hath  made  impenetrable  to  mortal  eye  ? 

No  situation   is  so  remote,  and  no  station  so  unfa- 


Promiscuous.)  punctuation.  13.3 

vourable,  as  to  preclude  access  to  the  happiness  of  a 
future  state.  A  road  is  opened  by  the  Divine  Spirit 
to  those  blissful  habitations,  from  all  corners  of  the 
earth,  and  from  all  conditions  of  human  life  ;  from 
the  peopled  city,  and  from  the  solitary  desert;  from 
the  cottages  of  the  poor,  and  from  the  palaces  of 
kings  ;  from  the  dwellings  of  ignorance  and  simpli- 
city, and  from  the  regions  of  science  and  improve- 
ment. 

The  scenes  which  present  themselves,  at  our  enter- 
ing upon  the  world,  are  commonly  flattering.    What- 
ever they  be  in  themselves,   the  lively  spirits  of  the 
young  gild  every  opening  prospect.      The    field    of 
hope  appears  to  stretch  wide  before  them.      Pleasure 
seems  to  put  forth  its  blossoms  on  every  side.     Im- 
pelled by  desire,   forward  they  rush  with  inconside- 
rate ardour  ;  prompt  to  decide,  and  to  choose  ;  averse 
to  hesitate,  or  to  inquire;  credulous, because  untaught 
by    experience ;    rash,    because   unacquainted    with 
danger;    headstrong,   because  unsubdued  by  disap- 
pointment.    Hence   arise  the    perils   to  which  thev 
are  exposed  ;    and  which,    too  often,    from  want  of 
attention  to  faithful  admonition,  precipitate  them  into 
ruin  irretrievable. 

By  the  unhappy  excesses  of  irregular  pleasure  in 
youth,  how  many  amiable  dispositions  are  corrupted 
or  destroyed !  How  manv  rising  capacities  and 
powers  are  suppressed  !  How  many  flattering  hopes 
of  parents  and  friends  are  totally  extinguished  !  Who 
but  must  drop  a  tear  over  human  nature,  when  he 
behohls  that  morning  which  arose  so  bright,  overcast 
with  such  untimely  darkness  ;  that  sweetness  of  tem- 
per which  once  engaged  many  hearts,   that  mo  <  sty 


134-  key.  (Promiscuous. 

which  was  so  prepossessing,  those  abilities  which 
promised  extensive  usefulness,  all  sacrificed  at  the 
shrine  of  low  sensuality :  and  one  who  was  formed 
for  passing  through  life,  in  the  midst  of  public 
esteem,  cut  off  by  his  vices  at  the  beginning  of  his 
course;  or  sunk,  for  the  whole  of  it,  into  insignifi- 
cance and  contempt?  These,  O  sinful  Pleasure !  are 
thy  trophies.  It  is  thus  that,  co-operating  with  the 
foe  of  God  and  man,  thou  degradest  human  honour, 
and  blastest  the  opening  prospects  of  human  felicity. 


section  2. 

examples  in  poetry. 
Exercises,  p.  163. 

Where  thy  true  treasure  ?  Gold  says,  "  Not  in  me :" 
And,  "  Not  in  me,"  the  Di'mond.     Gold  is  poor. 

The  scenes  of  bus'ness  tell  us — what  are  men, 
The  scenes  of  pleasure— what  is  all  beside, 

Wo  then  apart,  (if  wo  apart  can  be 
From  mortal  man,)  and  fortune  at  our  nod, 
The  gay,  rich,  great,  triumphant,  and  august, 
What  are  they  ?  The  most  happy  (strange  to  say  !) 
Convince  me  most  of  human  misery. 

All  this  dread  order  break— for  whom  ?  for  thee  ? 
Vile  worm! — O  madness  !  pride!  impiety! 

Man,  like  the  gen'rous  vine,  supported  lives; 

The  strength  he  gains,  is  from  th'  embrace  he  gives. 


Promiscuous.)  punctuation.  135 

Know,  Nature's  children  all  divide  her  care  : 
The  fur  that  warms  a  monarch,  warm'd  a  bear. 
While  man  exclaims,  "  See  all  things  for  my  use  !" 
«  See  man  for  mine,"  replies  a  pamper'd  goose. 
And  just  as  short  of  reason  he  must  fall, 
Who  thinks  all  made  for  one,  not  one  for  all. 

Th'  Almighty,  from  his  throne,  on  earth  surveys 
Nought  greater  than  an  honest,  humble  heart : 
An  humble  heart  his  residence  pronounc'd, 
His  second  seat. 

Bliss  there  is  none,  but  unprecarious  bliss. 
That  is  the  gem:  sell  all  and  purchase  that. 
Why  go  a  begging  to  contingencies, 
Not  gain'd  with  ease,  nor  safely  lov'd,  if  gain'd  ? 

There  is  a  time,  when  toil  must  be  preferr'd, 
Or  joy,  by  mistim'd  fondness,  is  undone. 
A  man  of  pleasure  is  a  man  of  pains. 

Thus  nature  gives  us  (let  it  check  our  pride) 
The  virtue  nearest  to  our  vice  allied. 

See  the  sole  bliss  Heav'n  could  on  all  bestow  ! 
Which  who  but  feels  can  taste,  but  thinks  can  know: 
Yet  poor  with  fortune,  and  with  learning  blind, 
The  bad  must  miss ;  the  good  untaught  will  find. 

Whatever  is,  is  right.— This  world,  'tis  true, 

Was  made  for  Caesar,— but  for  Titus  too. 

And  which  more  bless'd  ?  who  chain'd  his  country,  say, 

Or  he  whose  virtue  sigh'd  to  lose  a  day  ■ 

The  first  sure  symptom  of  a  mind  in  health, 
Is  rest  of  heart,  and  pleasure  felt  at  home. 

True  happiness  resides  in  things  unseen. 
No  smiles  of  fortune  ever  bless  the  bad ; 
Nor  can  her  frowns  rob  innocence  of  j>>y. 


1 30  key.  (Promiscuous. 

Oh  the  dark  days  of  vanity !  while  here, 

How  tasteless!  and  how  terrible,  when  gone  ! 

Gone  ?  they  ne'er  go  :  when  past,  they  hannt  us  still. 

Father  of  light  and  life  !   Thou  >rood  supreme  ! 
O  teach  me  what  is  good  !  Teach  me  thyself! 
Save  me  from  folly,  vanity,  and  vice, 
From  ev'ry  low  pursuit;  and  feed  my  soul 
With  knowledge,  conscious  peace,  and  virtue  pure, 
Sacred,  substantial,  never  fading  bliss  ! 

If  I  am  right,  thy  grace  impart, 

Still  in  the  right  to  stay  s 
If  I  am  wrong,  Oh  teach  my  heart 

To  find  that  better  way. 

Save  me  alike  from  foolish  pride, 

Or  impious  discontent, 
At  aught  thy  wisdom  has  denied, 

Or  aught  thy  goodness  lent. 

O  lost  to  virtue,  lost  to  manly  thought, 
Lost  to  the  noble  sallies  of  the  soul, 
Who  think  it  solitude  to  be  alone  ! 
Communion  sweet,  communion  large  and  high, 
Our  reason,  guardian  angel,  and  our  God. 
Then  nearest  these,  when  others  most  remote  ; 
And  all,  ere  long,  shall  be  remote,  but  these. 

htnevoktice.. 

God  loves  from  whole  to  parts;  but  human  soul 
Must  rise  from  individual  to  the  whole. 
Self-love  but  serves  the  virtuous  mind  to  wake 
As  the  small  pebble  stirs  the  peaceful  lake  : 
The  centre  mov'd,  a  circle  straight  succeeds, 
Another  still,  and  still  another  spreads, 


Promiscuous.)  punctuation.  137 

Friend,  parent,  neighbour,  first  it  will  embrace  ; 
His  country  next;   and  next,  all  human  race: 
Wide,  and  more  wide  th'  o'erflowings  of  the  mind, 
Take  ev'ry  creature  in,  of  ev'ry  kind. 
Eartb  smiles  around,  with  boundless  bounty  blest; 
And  Heav'n  beholds  its  image  in  his  breast. 

Happiness. 

Know  then  this  truth,  (enough  for  man  to  know,) 

"Virtue  alone  is  happiness  below:" 

The  only  point  where  human  bliss  stands  still, 

And  tastes  the  good  without  the  fall  to  ill; 

Where  only  merit  constant  pay  receives; 

Is  blest  in  what  it  takes,  and  what  it  gives. 

The  joy  unequall'd,  if  its  end  it  gain  ; 

And  if  it  lose,  attended  with  no  pain  : 

Without  satiety,  tho'  e'er  so  bless'd ; 

And  but  more  relish'd  as  the  more  distressed  : 

The  broadest  mirth  unfeeling  folly  wears, 

Less  pleasing  far  than  virtue's  very  tears. 

Good,  from  each  object,  from  each  place  acquir'd; 

For  ever  exercis'd,  yet  never  tir'd  ; 

Never  elated  while  one  man's  oppress'd  ; 

Never  dejected  while  another's  bless'd  ; 

And  where  no  wants,  no  wishes  can  remain  ; 

Since  but  to  wish  more  virtue,  is  to  gain. 

Gratitude. 

When  all  thy  mercies,  O  my  God  !  *-  '• 

My  rising  soul  surveys, 
Transported  with  the  view,  I'm  lost 

In  wonder,  love,  and  praise. 

O  how  shall  words,  with  equal  warmth, 

The  gratitude  declare, 
That  glows  within  my  ravish'd  heart? 

But  thou  canst  read  it  there. 


188  key.  (Promiscuous. 

Thy  providence  my  life  sustain'd, 

And  all  my  wants  redress'd, 
When  in  the  silent  womb  I  lay, 

And  hung  upon  the  breast. 

To  all  my  weak  complaints  and  cries, 

Thy  mercy  lent  an  ear, 
Ere  yet  my  feeble  thoughts  had  learn'd 

To  form  themselves  in  pray'r. 

Unnnmber'd  comforts  to  my  soul 

Thy  tender  care  bestow'd, 
Before  my  infant  heart  conceiv'd 

From  whom  those  comforts  flow'd. 

When,  in  the  slipp'ry  paths  of  youth, 

With  heedless  steps,  I  ran, 
Thine  arm,  unseen,  convey 'd  me  safe, 

And  led  me  up  to  man. 

Through  hidden  dangers,  toils,  and  death, 

It  gently  clear'd  my  way ; 
And  through  the  pleasing  snares  of  vice, 

More  to  be  fear'd  than  they. 

When  worn  with  sickness,  oft  hast  thou, 

With  health  renew'd  my  face ; 
And  when  in  sin  and  sorrow  sunk, 

Reviv'd  my  soul  with  grace. 

Thy  bounteous  hand,  with  worldly  bliss, 

Has  made  my  cup  run  o'er ; 
And,  in  a  kind  and  faithful  friend, 

Has  doubled  all  my  store. 

Ten  thousand  thousand  precious  gifts 

My  daiiy  thanks  employ  ; 
Nor  is  the  least,  a  cheerful  heart, 

That  tastes  those  gifts  with  joy. 


Promiscuous.)  punctuation.  1  30 

Through  ev'ry  period  of  my  life, 

Thy  goodness  I'll  pursue  ; 
Arid,  after  death,  in  distant  worlds, 

The  glorious  theme  renew. 

When  nature  fails,  and  day  and  night 

Divide  thy  works  no  more, 
My  ever  grateful  heart,  O  Lord  ! 

Thy  mercy  shall  adore. 

Through  all  eternity  to  thee 

A  joyful  song  I'll  raise; 
For  O  !  eternity's  too  short 

To  utter  all  thy  praise. 


The  Voyage  of  Life. 

Self-flatter'd,  unexperienc'd,  high  in  hope, 

When  young,  with  sanguine  cheer,  and  streamers  gay, 

We  cut  our  cable,  launch  into  the  world, 

And  fondly  dream  each  wind  and  star  our  friend, 

All  in  some  darling  enterprise  embark'd. 

But  where  is  he  can  fathom  its  event  ? 

Amid  a  multitude  of  artless  hands, 

(Ruin's  sure  perquisite,  her  lawful  prize,) 

Some  steer  aright :   but  the  black  blast  blows  hard, 

And  puffs  them  wide  of  hope.     With  hearts  of  proof, 

Full  against  wind  and  tide,  some  win  their  way  ; 

And  when  strong  effort  has  deserv'd  the  port, 

And  tugg'd  it  into  view,  'tis  won !  'tis  lost ! 

Though  strong  their  oar,  still  stronger  is  their  fate  : 

They  strike;  and,  while  they  triumph,  they  expire. 

In  stress  of  weather,  most,  some  sink  outright. 

O'er  them,  and  o'er  their  names,  the  billows 

To  morrow  knows  not  they  were  ever  born. 

Others,  a  short  memorial  leave  behind, 


1 4-0  key.  (Promiscuous. 

Like  a  flag  floating,  when  the  bark's  ingulf  d, 
It  floats  a  moment,  and  is  seen  no  more  9 
One  Caesar  lives ;  a  thousand  are  forgot. 
How/ra,  beneath  auspicious  planets  born, 
With  swelling  sails  make  good  the  promis'd  port, 
With  all  their  wishes  freighted  !  Yet  ev'n  these, 
Freighted  with  all  their  wishes,  soon  complain. 
Free  from  misfortune,  not  from  nature  free, 
They  still  are  men;  and  when  is  man  secure? 
As  fatal  time,  as  storm.     The  rush  of  years 
Beats  down  their  strength;  their  numberless  escapes 
In  ruin  end:  and,  now,  their  proud  success 
But  plants  new  terrors  on  the  victor's  brow. 
What  pain,  to  quit  the  world  just  made  their  own  ! 
Their  nests  so  deeply  down'd,  and  built  so  high  !— » 
Too  low  they  build,  who  build  beneath  the  stars. 


PART     V. 

PERSPICUITY  AND  ACCURACY, 


First,  with  respect  to  single  "words  and  phrases. 


CHAPTER  I. 

Corrections  of  the  errors  that  relate  to  Purity. 
Grammar,  p.  274.     Exercises,  p.  169. 

We  should  be  daily  employed  in  doing  good. 

/  am  wearied  with  seeing  so  perverse  a  disposition. 

I  know  not  who  has  done  this  thing. 

He  is  in  no  wise  thy  inferior;  and,  in  this  instance, 
is  not  at  all  to  blame. 

The  assistance  was  welcome,  and  seasonably  af- 
forded. 

For  want  of  employment,  he  wandered  idly  about 
the  fields. 

We  ought  to  live  soberly,  righteously,  and  piously 
in  the  world. 

He  was  long  indisposed,  and  at  length  died  of 
melancholy. 

That  word  follows  the  general  rule,  and  takes 
the  penultimate  accent. 

He  \va>  an  extraordinary  genius,  and  attracted 
much  attention. 

The  haughtiness  of  Florio  was  very  ungraceful,  and 
disgusted  both  his  friends  and  strangers. 

He  charged  me  with  want  of  resolution,  but  in 
this  censure  he  was  greatly  mistaken. 


J  42  key.  (Purity. 

They  have  manifested  great  candour  in  all  the 
transaction. 

The  conformity  of  the  thought  to  truth  and  nature 
greatly  recommended  it. 

The  importance,  as  well  as  the  authenticity  of  the 
books,  has  been  clearly  displayed. 

It  is  difficult  to  discover  the  spirit  and  design  of 
some  laws. 

The  disposition  which  he  exhibited,  was  both  un- 
natural and  uncomfortable. 

His  natural  severity  rendered  him  a  very  unpo- 
pular speaker. 

The  inquietude  of  his  mind,  made  his  station  and 
wealth  far  from  being  enviable. 

I  received  the  gift  with  pleasure,  but  I  shall  now 
more  gladly  resign  it.  Or — with  greater  pleasure 
resign  it. 

These  are  things  of  the  highest  importance  to  the 
growing  age. 

J  am  grieved  with  the  view  of  so  many  blank  leaves, 
in  the  book  of  my  life. 

J  repent  that  I  have  so  long  walked  in  the  paths  of 
folly. 

I  think  that  I  am  not  mistaken  in  an  opinion,  which 
I  have  so  well  considered. 

They  thought  it  an  important  subject,  and  the 
question  was  strenuously  debated  on  both  sides. 

Thy  speech  betrays  thee;  for  thou  art  a  Galilean. 

Let  us  not  give  too  hasty  credit  to  stories  which 
may  injure  our  neighbour:  perhaps  they  are  the  off- 
spring of  calumny,  or  misapprehension. 

The  gardens  were  void  of  simplicity  and  elegance  ; 
and  exhibited  much  that  was  glaring  and  whimsical, 


(      M-3      ) 

CHAPTER   II. 

Corrections  of  the  errors  relating  to  Propriety. 
Grammar,  p.  275.     Exercises,  p.  171. 

SECTION  I. 

I  would  as  readily  do  it  myself,  as  persuade  another 
to  do  it. 

Of  the  justness  of  his  measures  he  convinced  his 
opponent,  by  the  force  of  argument. 

He  is  not,  in  any  degree,  better  than  those  whom  he 
so  liberally  condemns. 

He  insists  upon  security,  and  will  not  liberate  him 
till  it  be  obtained. 

The  meaning  of  the  phrase,  as  I  understand  it,  is 
very  different  from  the  common  acceptation. 

The  favourable  moment  should  be  embraced ;  for 
he  does  not  continue  long  in  one  mind. 

He  exposed  himself  so  much  amongst  the  people, 
that  he  was  once  or  twice  in  danger  of  having  his  head 
broken. 

He  was  very  dexterous  in  penetrating  the  view1: 
and  designs  of  others. 

If  a  little  care  were  bestowed  upon  his  education,  he 
might  be  very  useful  amongst  his  neighbours. 

He  might  have  perceived,  by  a  transient  view,  the 
difficulties  to  which  his  conduct  exposed  him. 

If  I  should  have  a  little  leisure  to-morrow,  I  intend 
to  pay  them  a  short  visit. 

This  performance  is  of  the  same  value  as  the  other. 

The  scene  was  new,  and  he  was  seized  with  won- 
der at  all  he  saw. 


1 44  key.  (Propriety. 

section  2. 
Grammar,  p.  276.     Exercises,  p,  172. 

Let  us  consider  the  works  of  nature  and  of  art, 
with  proper  attention. 

He  is  engaged  in  a  treatise  on  the  interests  of  the 
soul  and  of  the  body.  Or — of  both  the  soul  and  the 
body. 

Some  productions  of  nature  rise  or  sink  in  value, 
according  as  they  more  or  less  resemble  those  of  art. 

The  Latin  tongue  was  never  spoken,  in  its  purity, 
in  this  island. 

For  some  centuries,  there  was  a  constant  inter- 
course between  France  and  England,  by  reason  of 
the  dominions  which  we  possessed  there,  and  the  con- 
quests which  we  made.  Or — occasioned  by  the  domi- 
nions, &c. 

He  is  impressed  with  a  true  sense  of  the  importance 
of  that  function,  when  chosen  from  a  regard  to  the 
interests  of  piety  and  virtue. 

The  wise  and  the  foolish,  the  virtuous  and  the  vile, 
the  learned  and  the  ignorant,  the  temperate  and  the 
.profligate,  must  often,  like  the  wheat  and  the  tares, 
be  blended  together. 

section  3. 
Grammar,  p.  277.     Exercises,  p.  172. 

An  eloquent  speaker  may  give  more  numerous, 
but  cannot  give  more  convincing  arguments,  than 
this  plain  man  offered.  Or — may  give  more,  but  can- 
not give  stronger,  &c. 

These  persons  possessed  very  moderate  intellects, 
even  before  they  had  impaired  them  by  the  extrava- 
gance of  passion. 


Propriety.)  perspicuity,  &c.  145 

True  wit  is  nature  dressed  to  advantage;  but  some 
works  have  more  ornament  than  does  them  good. 

The  sharks,  that  prey  upon  the  inadvertency  of 
young  heirs,  are  more  pardonable  than  those,  who 
trespass  upon  the  good  opinion  of  persons  that  treat 
them  with  great  confidence  and  respect. 

Honour  teaches  us  properly  to  respect  ourselves, 
ind  to  violate  no  right  or  privilege  of  our  neigh- 
bour: it  leads  us  to  support  the  feeble,  to  relieve 
the  distressed,  and  to  scorn  to  be  governed  by  de- 
grading  and  injurious  passions.  It  must,  therefore,  be 
a  false  and  mistaken  honour,  that  prompts  the  destroyer 
to  take  the  life  of  his  friend. 

He  will  always  be  with  you,  to  support  and  com- 
fort you,  and  in  some  measure  to  prosper  your  la- 
bours ;  and  he  will  also  be  with  all  his  faithful  mi- 
nisters, who  shall  succeed  you  in  his  service. 

section  4. 
Grammar,  p.  277.     Exercises,  p.  173. 

Most  of  our  sailors  were  asleep  in  their  apartments, 
when  a  heavy  wave  broke  over  the  ship,  and  swept  away 

ne  ofour  boats,  and  the  box  which  contained  our  com- 
passes,  &c.  Our  cabin  windows  were  secured,  or  the 
vessi  I  would  have  been  filled.     The  main  mast  was  so 

imaged,  that  we  were  obliged  to  strengthen  it,  and 
to  proceed  for  Lisbon. 

The  book  is  very  neatly  printed  :  the  distances 
between  the  lines  are  ample  and  regular  ;  and  the  lines 
themselves,  on  the  opposite  sides  of  each  leaf,  exactly 
correspond  to  one  another. 


G 


1 46"  key.  (Propriety. 

section  5. 
Grammar,  p.  277.     Exercises,  p.  174. 

When  our  friendship  is  considered,   how  is  it  pos- 
sible that  I  should  not  grieve  for  having  lost  such  a 
friend  ? 

The  hen  being  in  her  nest,  was  killed  and  eaten  there 
by  the  eagle.  Or — The  eagle  killed  the  hen,  jleiv  to 
her  nest  in  the  tree,  and  eat  her  there. 

It  may  be  justly  said,  that  there  are  no  laivs  prefer- 
able to  those  of  England. 

They  who  have  pretended  to  polish  and  refine  the 
English  language,  have  been  the  chief  agents,  in  mul- 
tiplying its  abuses  and  absurdities.  Or — The  chief 
thing,  which  they  who  have  pretended  to  polish  and 
refine  the  English  language,  have  done,  is,  to  multiply 
its  abuses  and  absurdities. 

The  English  adventurers,  degenerating  from  the 
customs  of  their  own  nation,  were  gradually  assimilated 
to  the  natives,  instead  of  reclaiming  them  from  their 
uncultivated  manners. 

It  has  been  said,  that  Jesuits  can  not  only  equivocate, 
Or — Jesuits  are  not  the  only  persons  who  can  equivo- 
cate. 

We  must  not  think  that  these  people,  when  injured, 
have  no  right  at  all  to  our  protection.  Or — have  less 
right  than  others  to  our  protection. 

Solomon  the  son  of  David,  and  the  builder  of  the 
temple  of  Jerusalem,  was  the  richest  monarch  that 
reigned  over  the  Jewish  people. 

Solomon,  whose  father  David  was  persecuted  by 
Saul,  was  the  richest  monarch  of  the  Jews. 

It  is  certain  that  all  the  words  which  are  signs  of 


Propriety.)  perspicuity,  &c.  147 

complex   ideas,   may  furnish  matter  of  mistake  and 
cavil.     Or — all  those  words,  &c. 

Lisias,  speaking  of  his  friends,    promised  to  bis  fa- 
ther, never  to  abandon  them.     Or — Lisias  speaking  of 
his  father's  friends,  promised  to  his  father,   never  to 
abandon  them. 

The  Divine  Being,  ever  liberal  and  faithful,  heapeth 
favours  on  his  servants.  Or — The  Divine  Being  heapeth 
favours  on  his  liberal  and  faithful  servants. 

Every  well-instructed  scribe,  is  like  a  householder, 
who  bringeth  out  of  his  treasure  neiv  things  and  old. 

He  was  willing  to  spend  one  or  two  hundred  pounds, 
rather  than  be  enslaved. 

Dryden,  in  the  following  words,  makes  a  very 
handsome  observation,  on  Ovid's  writing  a  letter 
from  Dido  to  iEneas. 

Imprudent  associations  disqualify  us  for  instructing 
or  reproving  others.  Or — Disqualify  us  for  receiving 
instruction  or  reproof  from  others. 

section  6. 
Grammar,  p.  278.      Exercises,  p.    1T5. 

I  seldom  see  a  noble  building,  or  any  great  piece 
of  magnificence  and  pomp,  but  I  think,  how  little 
is  all  this  to  satisfy  the  ambition  of  an  immortal 
soul ! 

A  poet,  speaking  of  the  universal  deluge,  says; 

Yet  when  that  flood  in  it<  own  depth  was  drown'd, 
It  left  behind  it  false  and  shpp'ry  ground. 

When   the   waters   of  the  deluge  had  subsided,   they 
..  be. 

The  author  of  the  Spectator  says,   that  a  man   is 

G  2 


148  key.  (Propriety. 

not  qualified  for  a  bust,  who  has  not  a  good  deal  of 
wit  and  vivacity. 

And  Bezaleel  made  the  laver  of  brass,  and  the  foot 
of  it  of  brass,  of  the  mirrors  used  by  the  women. 

And,  in  the  lozver  deep,  another  deep 

Still  threat'ning  to  devour  me,  opens  wide. 

SECTION  7. 
Grammar,  p.281.     Exercises,  p.  176. 

No  fewer  than  two  hundred  scholars  have  beesi 
educated  in  that  school. 

The  business,  however  laudable  the  attempt,  was 
found  to  be  impracticable. 

He  is  our  common  benefactor,  and  deserves  our  re- 
spect and  obedience. 

Vivacity  is  often  promoted,  by  presenting  a  sen- 
sible object  to  the  mind,  instead  of  an  intellectual  one. 

They  broke  down  the  banks,  and  the  country  was 
soon  overflowed. 

The  garment  was  decently  formed,  and  sewed  very 

neatly. 

The  house  is  a  cold  one,    for  it  has  a  northern 

aspect. 

The  proposal,  for  each  of  us  to  relinquish  some- 
thing, was  complied  with,  and  produced  a  cordial 
reconciliation. 

Though  learn'd,  well  bred  ;  and  tho'  well  bred,  sincere ; 
Modestly  bold,  and  humanely  severe. 

A  fop  is  a  ridiculous  character,  in  every  one's 
view  but  his  own. 

An  action  that  excites  laughter,  without  any  mix- 
ture of  contempt,  may  be  called  a  risible  action. 


Propriety.)  perspicuity,  &c. 

It  is  difficult  for  him  to  speak  three  sentences  sue- 
cessively. 

V>y  this  expression,  I  do  not  mean  what  some 
persons  annex  to  it. 

The  neglect  of  timely  precaution  was  the  eau<e  ol 
this  great  loss. 

All  the  sophistry  which  has  been  employed,  cannot 
cure  so  plain  a  truth. 

Disputing  should  always  be  so  managed,  as  to  re- 
mind us,  that  the  only  end  of  it  is  truth. 

My  friend  was  so  ill  that  he  could  not  sit  up  at  all, 
but  was  obliged  to  lie  continually  in  bed. 

A  certain  prince,   it  is  said,   when  he  invaded  the 

E  ptians,  placed,  in  the  front  of  his  army,  a  number 
of  cats  and  other  animals,  which  were  worshiped 
by  those  people.  A  reverence  for  these  creatures, 
made  the  Egyptians  lay  down  their  arms,  and  be- 
ne an  easy  conquest. 

The  presence  of  the  Deity,  and  the  interest  which 
ugust  a  Being  is  supposed  to  take  in  our  con- 
source of  consolation. 

And  when  thev  had  kindled   a  fire  in  the  midst  oi 

t 

the  hall,   and  had  sat  down  together,   Peter  sat  down 
among  them. 

By  the  slavish  disposition  of  the  senate  and  people 
of  Home,  under  the  emperors,  the  wit  and  eloquence 
of  the  age  were  wholly  turned  towards  panegyric. 
♦■  >i  —  vJiolly  employed  in  panegyric. 

The  refreshment  came  in  seasonably,    befon    • 
had  lain  down  to  r 

We   speak    what   we    do    know,     and    testily    that 

ich  we  have  seen.     Or — what  zee  have  seen. 

They  shallyty  as  the  eagle  that  hasteth  to  eat. 

G  3 


]  50  key.  (Propriety. 

The  wicked  jlee  when  no  man  pursueth  :    but  the 
righteous  are  bold  as  a  lion.    x 


A  creature  of  a  more  exalted  kind 

Was  wanted  yet,  and  then  was  man  design'd. 

He  died  by  violence ;  for  he  was  killed  with  a  sword. 

He  had  scarcely  taken  the  medicine,  w hen  he  began 
to  feel  himself  relieved. 

No  place  nor  any  object  appears  to  him  void  of 
beauty. 

When  we  fall  into  conversation  with  any  person, 
the  first  thing  we  should  consider,  is,  the  intention 
of  it. 

Galileo  invented  the  telescope  ;  Hervey  discovered 
the  circulation  of  the  blood. 

Philip  found  difficulty  in  managing  the  Athenians, 
from  the  nature  of  their  dispositions ;  but  the  elo- 
quence of  Demosthenes  was  the  greatest  obstacle  to 
his  designs. 

A  hermit  is  austere  in  his  life  ;  a  judge,  rigorous 
in  his  sentences. 

A  candid  man  acknowledges  his  mistake,  and  is  for- 
given; a  patriot  avows  his  opposition  to  a  bad  mi- 
nister, and  is  applauded. 

We  have  increased  our  family  and  expenses  ;  and 
enlarged  our  garden  and  fruit  orchard. 

By  proper  reflection,  we  may  be  taught  to  correct 
what  is  erroneous,  and  to  supply  ivhat  is  defective. 

The  good  man  is  not  overcome  by  disappointment, 
when  that  which  is  mortal  dies  ;  when  that  which  is 
mutable,  begins  to  change  ;  and  when  that  which  he 
knew  to  be  transient,  passes  away. 


(     151      ) 


CHAPTER  III. 

Corrections  of  the  errors  which  respect  Precision. 
Grammar,  p.  282.     Exercises,  p.  179. 

This  great  politician  desisted  from  his  designs, 
when  he  found  them  impracticable. 

He  was  of  so  high  and  independent  a  spirit,  that 
he  abhorred  being  in  debt. 

Though  raised  to  an  exalted  station,  she  was  a 
pattern  of  piety  and  virtue. 

The  human  body  may  be  divided  into  the  head, 
the  trunk,  and  the  limbs. 

His  end  soon  approached  ;  and  he  died  with  great 
fortitude. 

He  was  a  man  of  so  much  pride,  that  he  despised 
the  sentiments  of  otht 

Poverty  induces  dependence  ;  and  dependence 
increases  corruption. 

This  man,  on  all  occasions,  treated  bis  inferiors 
with  great  disdain. 

There  can  be  no  order  in  the  life  of  that  man, 
who  does  not  allot  a  due  share  of  his  time,  to  retire- 
ment and  reflection. 

Such  equivocal  expressions,  mark  an  intention  to 
deceive. 

His  cheerful,  happy  temper,  keeps  up  a  kind  ol 
daylight  in  his  mind,  and  fills  it  with  a  steady  and 
perpetual  serenity. 

G  4 


(     152     ) 

Secondly,  Perspicuity   and  accuracy,  with  respect  to 
the  construction  of  Sentences. 


CHAPTER  I. 

Corrections  of  the  errors  which  relate  to  the  Clearness 

of  a  Sentence.  < 

Grammar,  p.  286.     Exercises,  p.  180. 
SECTION    1. 

Hence  appears  the  impossibility  that  an  under- 
taking so  managed,  should  prove  successful. 

May  ive  not  here  say  with  the  poet,  that  "  virtue 
is  its  own  reward  ?" 

Had  he  died  before,  would  not  this  art  have  been 
then  wholly  unknown  ? 

Not  to  exasperate  him,  I  spoke  only  a  very  few 
,   words. 

The  works  of  art  receive  a  great  advantage,  from 
the  resemblance  which  they  have  to  those  of  nature ; 
because  here  not  only  the  similitude  is  pleasant,  but 
the  pattern  is  perfect. 

It  may  be  proper  to  give  some  account  of  those 
practices,  anciently  used  on  such  occasions,  and  dis- 
continued only  through  the  neglect  and  degeneracy 
of  later  times. 

Sixtus  the  fourth  was,  if  I  mistake  not,  a  great 
collector  at  least  of  books. 

If  Louis  XIV.  was  not  the  greatest  king,  he  was 
at  least  the  best  actor  of  majesty,  that  ever  filled  a 
throne. 


Clearness.)  perspicuity,  &c.  153 

These  forms  of  conversation,  multiplied,  by  de£ 
and  grew  troublesome. 

Nor  does  this  false  modesty  expose  us  to  such  ac- 
tions  only  as  are  indiscreet,  but  very  often  to  such  i 
are  highly  criminal. 

By  greatness,  I  do  not  mean  the  bulk  of  any  single 
object  only,  but  the  largeness  of  a  whole  view.  ( >r — 
J  mean  not  only  the  bulk  of  any  single  object,  but,  i>m. 

I  was  formerly  engaged  in  that  business,  but  I 
shall  never  be  concerned  in  it  again. 

We  frequently  do  those  things,  which  we  afterwards 
repent  of. 

By  often  doing  the  same  thing,  it  become-  ha- 
bitual. 

Most   nations,    even   the  Jens  not  excepted,    we 
prune  to  idolatry. 

Raised  to  greatness  without  merit,  he  employed 
his  power  solely  for  the  gratification  of  his  passions. 

section  2. 
Grammar,  p. '233.     Ex  1. 

The    embarrassments   of  the   artificers,    rendered 

th.  ss  oj  the  work  very  slow. 

lie  found  the  place  replete  with  wonders,  with 
•  contemplation  of  which  he  pro;  os<  d  to  solace  him- 
If,   if  lie  should  never  be  able  to  accomplish  I 

flight. 

They  are  now  engaged  in  a  study,   the  u 

of  which  they  have  long  wished  to  know. 
This  wa^  an  undertaking,  which,  in  th< 

proved  as  impracticable.  try  other  of  their  perm- 

cious,  yet  abortive  schemes,  had  turned  out 

G  5 


15  4*  key.  (Clearness. 

He  thought  that  the  presbyters  would  soon  become 
more  dangerous  to  the  magistrates,  than  the  pre- 
latical  clergy  had  ever  been. 

Frederic,  seeing  it  was  impossible,  with  safety,  to 
trust  his  life  in  their  hands,  was  obliged  to  take  the 
Mahometans  for  his  guard. 

The  emperor  refused  to  convert  the  truce  at  once 
into  a  definitive  treaty. 

In  the  night,  however,  the  miserable  remains  were 
taken  down. 

I  have,  in  this  paper,  by  way  of  introduction,  settled 
the  meaning  of  those  pleasures  of  the  imagination, 
which  are  the  subject  of  my  present  undertaking; 
and  endeavoured,  by  several  considerations,  to  recom- 
mend to  my  readers,  the  pursuit  of  those  pleasures  : 
I  shall,  in  my  next  paper,  examine  the  several  sources 
from  whence  these  pleasures  are  derived. 

Sir  Francis  Bacon,  in  his  Essay  upon  Health,  in 
ivhich  he  particularly  dissuades  the  reader  from  knotty 
and  subtle  disquisitions,  has  not  thought  it  improper  to 
prescribe  to  him  a  poem,  or  a  prospect ;  and  he  ad- 
vises him  to  pursue  studies  that  fill  the  mind  with 
splendid  and  illustrious  objects,  as  history,  poetry, 
and  contemplations  of  nature. 

The  English  reader,  if  he  would  see  the  notion  ex- 
plained at  large,  may  find  it  in  Locke's  Essay  on 
the  Human  Understanding. 

Fields  of  corn  form  a  pleasant  prospect;  and  it 
a  little  care  were  bestowed  on  the  walks  that  lie  be- 
tween them,  they  would  display  neatness,  regularity, 
and  elegance. 

Though  religion  will  indeed  bring  us  under  some 


Clearness.)  perspicuity,  &g.  155 

restraints,  they  are  not  only  tolerable,  but,  on  the  whole, 
desirable. 

I  have  confined  myself  to  those  methods  for  the 
advancement  of  piety,  which,  by  a  strict  execution  of 
the  laics,  are  in  the  power  of  a  prince,  limited  like 
ours. 

This  morning,  when,  with  great  care  and  diligence, 
one  of  the  gay  females  was  looking  over  some  hoods 
and  ribands,  brought  by  her  tirewoman,  I  em- 
ployed  no  less  in  examining  the  box  which  con- 
tained them. 

Since  it  is  necessary  that  there  should  be  a  perpe- 
tual intercourse  of  buying  and  selling,   and  dealii 
upon  credit,   the  honest  dealer,    where  fraud  is  per- 
mitted or  connived  at,   or  has  no  law  to  punish  it,   is 
often  undone,  and  the  knave  gets  the  advantage. 

Though  energetic  brevity  is  not  adapted  alike  to 
every  subject,  we  ought,  on  every  occasion,  to  avoid 
its  contrary,  a  languid  redundancy  of  words.  It 
is  sometimes  proper  to  be  copious,  but  never  to  be 
verbose. 

A  monarchy,  limited  like  ours,   may,  for  aught   I 
know,  be  placed,    as  it  has  often  been  represented, 
just  in  the  middle  point,    from  whence  a  deviation 
leads,   on  the   one   hand,   to  tyranny,    and,    on   th< 
other,  to  anarchy. 

Having  already  shown  how  the  fancy  is  affected 
by  the  works  of  nature,  and  afterwards  considered, 
in  general,  how,  informing  such  scenes  as  are  most  apt 
to  delight  the  mind  of  the  beholder,  the  works  both 
nature  and  of  art  assist  each  other  ;  I  shall  in  this 
paper  throw  together  some  reflections,  &c 

G  6 


156  key.  (Clearness. 

Let  but  one  brave,  great,  active,  disinterested 
man  arise,  and  he  will  be  received,  followed,  and 
venerated. 

Ambition  creates  hatred,  shiness,  discords,  se- 
ditions, and  wars. 

The  scribes  made  it  their  profession  to  study,  and 
to  teach,  the  law  of  Moses. 

Sloth  sapslJiefoundation  of  every  virtue,  and  pours 
upon  us  a  deluge  of  crimes  and  evils. 

The  ancient  laws  of  Rome  were  so  far  from  suf- 
fering a  Roman  citizen  to  be  put  to  death,  that  they 
would  not  aliow  him  to  be  whipped,  or  even  to  be 
bound. 

His  labours  to  acquire  knowledge  have  been  pro- 
ductive of  great  success  and  satisfaction. 

He  was  a  man  of  the  greatest  prudence,  justice, 
modesty,  and  virtue.  t 

His  favour  or  disapprobation  was  governed  by  the 
success  or  the  failure  of  an  enterprise. 

He  had  a  grateful  sense  of  the  benefits  received,  and 
did  every  thing  in  his  power  to  serve  his  benefactor. 

Many  persons  give  evident  proof,  that  either  they 
do  not  believe  the  principles  of  religion,  or  that  they  do 
not  feel  their  power. 

As  the  guilt  of  an  officer,  if  he  prove  negligent, 
will  be  greater  than  that  of  a  common  servant ; 
so  the  reward  of  his  fidelity,  will  be  proportionally 
greater. 

The  comfort  annexed  to  goodness  is  the  pious 
man's  strength.  It  attaches  his  heart  to  religion.  It 
inspires  his  zeal.  It  supports  his  constancy;  and  ac- 
celerates his  progress. 


Clearness.)  perspicuity,  &c.  157 

section  3. 
Grammar,  p.  291.     Exercises,  p.  135. 

These  are  the  rules  of  the  master,  who  must 
obeyed. 

They  attacked  the  house  of  Northumberland,  whom 
they  put  to  death. 

lie  laboured  to  involve  in  ruin  his  minister,  win 
had  been  the  author  of  it.     Or — to  ruin   his  minis- 
ter, &c. 

What  he  says*  is  true,  but  it  is  not  applicable  t< 
the  point. 

The  French  marched  precipitately  as  to  an  assured 
victory;  whereas  the  English  advanced  very  slowly, 
and  discharged  such  flights  of  arrows,  as  did  great 
execution.  When  the  former  drew  near  the  archei- 
the  latter  perceiving  that  they  were  out  of  breath., 
charged  them  with  great  vigour. 

He  was  at  a  window  in  Lichfield,  taking  a  view  oj 
the  Cathedral,  where  a  party  of  the  royalists  had  for- 
tified themselves. 

We  no  where  meet  with  a  more  splendid  or 
pleasing  show  in  nature,  than  what  is  formed  in  the 
heavens  at  the  rising  and  setting  of  the  sun,  l>j/  the 
different  >tains  of  licrht,  which  show  themselves  in 
clouds  of  different  situation*. 

There  will  be  found,  throughout  this  kingdom,  a 
round  million  of  creatures  in  human  figure,  whos< 
whole  subsistence,  &c. 

Jt  is  the  custom  of  the  Mahometans,  if  they  see 
upon  the  ground,  any  printed  or  written  paper,  to 
take  it  up,  and  lay  it  aside  carefully,  as  not  knowing 
but  it  may  contain  some  piece  of  their  Alcoran. 


158  4    key.  (Clearness. 

The  laws  of  nature  are,  truly,  what  lord  Bacon 
styles  his  aphorisms,  laws  of  laws.  Civil  laws  are 
alwavs  imperfect,  and  are  often  false  deductions  from 
them,  or  applications  of  them :  nay,  civil  laws  stand, 
in  many  instances,  in  direct  opposition  to  the  laws 
of  nature. 

It  has  not  a  sentiment  in  it,  says  Pope,  that  the  au- 
thor does  not  religiously  believe. 

Many  act  so  directly  contrary  to  this  method,  that, 
from  a  habit,  which  they  acquired  at  the  University, 
of  saving  time  and  paper,  they  write  in  so  diminutive 
a  manner,  that  they  can  hardly  read  what  they  have 
written. 

Thus  I  have  fairly  given  you  my  own  opinion,  re- 
lating to  this  weighty  affair,  as  well  as  that  of  a  great 
majority  of  both  houses  here;  upon  which  I  am 
confident  you  may  securely  reckon. 

Ii)fro?n  the  earliest  periods  of  life,  we  trace  a  youth 
who  has  been  well  educated,  we  shall  perceive  the 
wisdom  of  the  maxims  here  recommended. 


(     159     ) 


CHAPTER  II. 

Corrections  of  the  errors  relating  to  the  Unity  of  a 

sentence. 

Grammar,  p.  293.     Exercises,  p.  187. 

SECTION    1. 

A  shout  time  after  this  injury,  he  came  to  him- 
self; and  the  next  day,  was  put  on  board  his  ship, 
and  conveyed  first  to  Corinth,  and  thence  to  the 
island  of  iEgina. 

The  Britons,  daily  harassed  by  cruel  inroads  from 
the  Picts,  were  forced  to  call  in  the  Saxons  for  their 
defence.  These  people  reduced  the  greater  part  of  the 
island  to  their  own  power;  and  drove  the  Britons 
into  the  most  remote  and  mountainous  parts.  The 
rest  of  the  country,  in  customs,  religion,  and  language, 
became  wholly  Saxons. 

By  eagerness  of  temper,  and  precipitancy  of  indul- 
gence, men  forfeit  all  the  advantages  which  patience 
would  have  procured;  and  incur  the  opposite  evils  to 
their  full  extent. 

This  prostitution  of  praise  affects  yot  only  the  gross 
of  mankind,  who  take  their  notion  of  characters  from 
the  learned;  but  also  the  better  sort  of  people,  who, 
by  this  ni'  lose  some  part  at  least  of  their  desire 

of  lame,  when  they  find  it  promiscuously  bestowed 
on  the  meritorious  and  on  the  ill  :ng.     Or —  \ 

only  the  gross  part  of  mankind,  who  take  their  notion 
of  characters  from  the  learned,  are  affected  by  this  pros- 


1 60  key.  ( Unity. 

titution  of  praise;  the  better  sort  ?)iust  also,  by  this 
means,  &c. 

All  the  precautions  of  prudence,  moderation,  ,and 
condescension,  which  Eumenes  employed,  were  in- 
capable of  mollifying  the  hearts  of  those  barbarians, 
and  of  extinguishing  their  jealousy.  He  must  have 
renounced  his  merit  and  virtue  which  occasioned  it, 
to  have  been  capable  of  appeasing  them. 

He  who  performs  every  employment  in  its  due 
place  and  season,  suffers  no  part  of  time  to  escape 
without  profit.  He  multiplies  his  days;  for  he  lives 
much  in  little  space. 

Desires  of  pleasure  usher  in  temptation,  and  for- 
ward the  growth  of  disorderly  passions. 

section   2. 
Grammar,  p.  294.     Exercises,  p.  18S. 

The  notions  of  Lord  Sunderland  were  always 
good.  This  nobleman,  however,  was  a  man  of  great 
expense. 

In  this  uneasy  state,  both  of  his  public  and  pri- 
vate life,  Cicero  was  oppressed  by  a  new  and  deep 
affliction,  the  death  of  his  beloved  daughter  Tullia ; 
which  happened  soon  after  her  divorce  from  Dola- 
bella.  The  manners  and  humours  of  this  man  were 
entirely  disagreeable  to  Tullia. 

The  sun  approaching  melts  the  snow,  and  breaks 
the  icy  fetters  of  the  main.  Here,  vast  sea-monsters 
pierce  through  floating  islands,  with  arms  which  can 
withstand  the  crystal  rock;  whilst  others,  that  of 
themselves  seem  great  as  islands,  are,  by  their  bulk 
alone,   armed  against  all  but  man.     The  superiority 


Unity.)  PERSPICUITY,  &c.  loi 

mvkich  he  possesses  over  creatures  of  a  size  and  forc< 
so  stupendous,  should  make  him  mindful  of  his  pri- 
vilege of  reason;   and  force  him  humbly  to  adore  the     , 
great  Composer  of  these  wondrous  frames,  and  the 
Author  of  his  own  superior  wisdom. 

I  single  Strada  out  among  the  moderns,  becau 
lie  had   the   foolish  presumption  to  censure  Tacitus, 
and   to  write   history   himself.     3/y  friend  will   for- 
give this  short  excursion  in  honour   of  a   favourite 
writer. 

Boast  not  thyself  of  to-morrow;  for  thou  knowest 
not  what  a  day  may  bring  forth.  For  the  same 
reason,  despair  not  of  to-morrow;  it  may  bring  forth 
good  as  well  as  evil.  Vex  not  thyself  with  imaginary 
fears.  The  impending  black  cloud,  which  is  re- 
garded with  so  much  dread,  may  pass  by  harmle^ 
or  though  it  should  discharge  the  storm,  yet  before  il 
breaks,  thou  mayst  be  lodged  in  that  lowly  mansi 
which  no  storms  ever  touch. 

section  3. 
Grammar,  p.  296.     Exercises,  p.lS9. 

Disappointments  will  often  happen  to  the  best  and 
wisest  men;  sometimes  to  tin  nicest  and  best  collected 
plans.  They  may  happen  too,  not  through  any  im- 
prudence of  those  who  have  devised  the  plan,  nor  even 
through  the  malice  or  ill  design  of  others  ;  but 
merely  in  consequence  of  some  of  those  cross  inci- 
dents of  life,  which  could  not  be  foreseen. 

Without  some  degree  of  patience  exercised  under 
injuries,  human  life  would  be  rendered  a  state  of  per- 


\ 


Ifi2  key.  (Unity. 

petual  hostility :  offences  and  retaliations  would  suc-# 
ceed  to  one  another  in  endless  train. 

Never  delay  till  to-morrow,  what  reason  and  con- 
science tell  you  ought  to  be  performed  to-day.  To-mor- 
row is  not  yours;  and  though  you  should  live  to  en- 
joy it,  you  must  not  overload  it  with  a  burden  not 
its  own. 

We  must  not  imagine  that  there  is,  in  true  reli- 
gion, any  thing  which  overcasts  the  mind  with  sul- 
len gloom  and  melancholy  austerity;  or  which  dero- 
gates from  that  esteem,  which  ?nen  are  generally  disposed 
to  yield  to  exemplary  virtues.  False  ideas  may  be  en- 
tertained of  religion,  as  false  and  imperfect  concep- 
tions of  virtue  have  often  prevailed  in  the  world. 


(     163     ) 

CHAPTER  III. 

Corrections  of  the  errors  which  respect  the  Strength 

of  a  sentence. 

Grammar,  p.297.     Exercises,  p.  190. 
SECTION    1. 

It  is  six  months  since  I  paid  a  visit  to  my    rela- 
tions. 

Suspend  your  censure,  till  your  judgment  on  the 
subiect  can  be  wisely  formed. 

The  reason  of  his  having  acted  in  the  manner  he 
did,  was  not  fully  explained. 

ItT  were  to  give  a  reason  for  their  looking  so  well, 
it  would  be,  that  they  rise  early. 

If  I  mistake  not,  he  is  improved  both  in  knowledge 
and  behaviour.  Or — /  think  he  is  improved  both  in 
knowledge  and  behaviour. 

Those  two  boys  appear  to  be  equal  in  capacity. 

Whenever  he  sees  me,  he  inquires  concerning  his 
friend 

The  reason  of  his  conduct  will  appear  in  the  con- 
clusion of  this  narrative.  Or — His  conduct  will  be 
accounted  for  in  the,  &c. 

I  hope  this  is  the  last  time  of  my  acting  so  impru- 
dently. 

The  reason  of  his  sudden  departure,  was,  that  the 
case  did  not  admit  of  delay. 

The  people  gained  nothing  farther  by  this  step, 
than  to  suspend  their  misery.  Or— nothing  by  this 
step,  but  the  suspension  of  their  misery. 

I  have  here  supposed  that  the  reader  is  acquainted 


164  key.  (Strength. 

with  that  great  modern  discovery,  which  is,  at  pre- 
sent, universally  acknowledged  by  the  inquirers  into 
natural  philosophy. 

Few  words  in  the  English  language,  are  employed 
in  a  more  loose  and  uncircumscribed  sense,  than 
fancy  and  imagination. 

I  intend  to  make  use  of  these  words  in  mv  follow- 
ing  speculations,  that  the  reader  may  rightly  conceive 
the  subject  upon  which  I  proceed. 

Commend  me  to  an  argument  like  a  flail,  against 
u luck  there  is  no  fence. 

How  many  are  there,  by  whom  these  good  tidings 
were  never  heard ! 

These  points  have  been  illustrated  in  so  plain  a 
manner,  that  the  perusal  of  the  book  has  given  me 
satisfaction. 

However  clear  the  conduct  which  he  ought  to  have 
pursued,  he  had  not  resolution  to  set  about  it. 

I  was  much  moved  on  this  occasion,  and  left  the 
place  full  of  serious  reflections. 

They  are  of  those  that  rebel  against  the  light : 
they  know  not  its  ways,  nor  abide  in  its  paths. 

This  measure  may  afford  some  profit,  and  some 
amusement.     Or — both  profit  and  amusement. 

By  a  multiplicity  of  words,  the  sentiments  are  not 
set  off  and  accommodated;  but,  like  David  equipped 
in  Saul's  armour,  they  are  encumbered  and  op- 
pressed. 

Though  closely  occupied  with  the  affairs  of  the 
nation,  he  did  not  neglect  the  concerns  of  his  friends. 

If,  on  the  contrary,  secrecy  had  been  enjoined,  his 
conduct  was  very  culpable. 

Less  capacity,  but  more  time,  is  required  for  thi>- 
b us in  ess. 


Strength,)  perspicuity,  &c.  165 

Iii  did  not  mention  Leonora,  nor  her  father's 
death. 

The  combatants  encountered  with  such  that, 

only  to  assail,  and  thorn.         -  of  defence,  they 
fell  dead  upon  the  field  together. 

I  shail  begin  with  remarking  the  defects,  and  shall 
then  proceed  to  describe  the  excellences,  of  this  plan 
of  education. 

Numberless  orders  of  beings,  to  us  unknown, 
people  the  wide  extent  of  the  universe. 

His  extraordinary  beauty  struck  observers  with 
admiration.  Or — His  beauty  was  so  extraordinary 
that  it  struck,  &c. 

Thought  and  language  act  and  react  upon  each 
other.     Or, — act  upon  each  other  mutually. 

Their  interests  were  inseparably  connected. 

Employing  all  the  circumspection  which  reason  can 
suggest,  let  your  prayers,  at  the  same  time,  continu- 
ally ascend  to  heaven  for  support.  Or — While  you 
employ  all  the  circumspection  which  reason  can  suggest, 
let  your  prayers  continually  ascend  to  heaven  for  support. 

section  2. 
Grammar,  p.  300.     Exercises,  p.  193. 

The  enemy  said,  I  will  pursue,  I  will  overtake, 
I  will  divide  the  spoil. 

While  the  earth  remaineth,  seedtime  and  harvest, 
■  Id  and  heat,  summer  and  \\  inter,  and  day  and  night, 

dl  not  cease. 

A  man  should  endeavour  to  make  the  sphere  of 
his  innocent  pleasures  as  wide  as  possible,  that  he 
may  retire  to  them   with  safety,  and  find  in  them 


1 05  key.  (Strength, 

such  a  satisfaction  as  a  wise  man  would  not  blush  to 
take.  This  advantage  we  gain  by  means  of  the  plea- 
sures of  imagination.  Or — This  satisfaction  ive  enjoy, 
by  means  of,  &c. 

The  army  was  composed  of  Grecians,  and  Carians, 
and  Lycians,  and  Pamphylians,  and  Phrygians. 

The  body  of  this  animal  was  strong,  proportion- 
able, and  beautiful. 

Nothing  promotes  knowledge  more  than  steady  ap- 
plication, and  a  habit  of  observation. 

Though  virtue  borrows  no  assistance  from  the  ad- 
vantages of  fortune,  yet  it  may  often  be  accompanied 
by  them. 

The  knowledge  which  he  has  acquired,  and  the 
habits  of  application  which  he  possesses,  will  probably 
render  him  very  useful. 

Their  idleness,  their  luxury  and  pleasures,  their 
criminal  deeds,  their  immoderate  passions,  their  ti- 
midity and  baseness  of  mind,  have  dejected  them 
to  such  a  degree,  as  to  make  them  weary  of  life. 

I  was  greatly  affected,  so  that  I  was  obliged  to 
leave  the  place,  though  my  assistance  had  been  press - 
ingly  solicited. 

I  strenuously  opposed  those  measures,  but  it  was 
not  in  my  power  to  prevent  them. 

I  yielded  to  his  solicitation,  for  I  perceived  the 
necessity  of  doing  so. 

For  the  wisest  purposes,  Providence  has  designed 
our  state  to  be  checkered  with  pleasure  and  pain. 
As  such  let  us  receive  it,  and  make  the  best  of  what 
is  appointed  to  be  our  lot. 

In  the  time  of  prosperity,  he  had  stored  his  mind 
with   useful  knowledge,  with  good  principles,   and 


Strength.)  perspicuity,  &c.  107 

virtuous  dispositions:   and  these  resources  remain  en- 
tire, when  the  days  of  trouble  come. 

He  had  made  considerable  advances  in  know- 
ledge, though  he  was  very  young,  and  laboured  under 
several  disadvantages. 


section  3. 


Gra-nmar,  p.  503.     Exercises,  p.  194. 

I  have,  with  a  good  deal  of  attention,  considered  the 
subject  upon  which  I  was  desired  to  communicate 
my  thought-. 

Whether,  in  any  country,  a  choice  altogether  un- 
exceptionable has  been  made,  seems  doubtful. 

Let  us  endeavour  to  establish  to  ourselves  an  inte- 
nt in  him,  who  in  his  hands  holds  the  reins  of  the 
whole  creation. 

Virgil,  who,  in  the  sixth  book  of  his  JEneid,  has  cast 
the  whole  system  of  platonic  philosophy,  so  far  as  it 
relates  to  the  soul  of  man,  into  beautiful  allegories, 
gives  us  the  punishment,  &c. 

And,  at  last,  in  the  Pyrenean  treaty,  Philip  the  fourth 
was  obliged  to  conclude  a  peace,  on  terms  repugnant 
to  his  inclinat  on,  to  that  of  !. is  people,  to  the  interest 
of  Spain,  and  I  of  all  Europe. 

By  a  late  calculuti  n,  it  appears  that,  in  Great 
Britain  and  Ireland,  t'<  re  are  upwards  of  fifteen  millions 
of  inhabitants. 

And  although  persons  of  a  virtuous  and  learned 
education,  when  they  c  me  forward  into  the  great  nor  Id, 
may  be,  and  too  often  are,  drawn  by  the  tempta- 
tions of  youth,  and  the  opportunities  of  a  large 
fortune,  into  some  irregularities,   it  is  ever  with   re- 


16S  key.  (Strength. 

luctance  and  compunction  of  mind,    because    their 
bias  to  virtue  still  continues. 

Were  instruction  an  essential  circumstance  in  epic 
poetry,  I  doubt  whether,  in  any  language,  a  single  in- 
stance could  be  given  of  this  species  of  composition. 

Some  of  our  most  eminent  writers  have,  as  far  as 
it  regards  the  subsistence  of  our  affections  after  death, 
made  use  of  this  platonic  notion,  with  great  beauty 
and  strength  of  reason. 

On  surveying  the  most  indifferent  works  of  nature, 
men  of  the  best  sense  have  been  touched,  more  or  less, 
with  these  groundless  horrors  and  presages  of  futurity. 

Blessed  is  he  that  cometh  in  the  name  of  the  Lord. 

Not  every  one  that  puts  on  the  appearance  of 
goodness,  is  good. 

And  there  appeared  to  them  Elias  with  Moses. 

Your  fathers,  where  are  they?  and  the  prophets,  do 
they  live  for  ever? 

At  last,  after  much  fatigue,  through  deep  roads  and 
had  weather,  we  came  with  no  small  difficulty  to  our 
journey's  end. 

The  praise  of  judgment,  Virgil  has  justly  contested 
with  Homer;  but  his  invention  remains  yet  unri- 
valled. 

Instead  of  being  critics  on  others,  let  us  employ  our 
criticism  on  ourselves. 

heaving  others  to  be  judged  by  Him  who  searcheth  the 
heart,  let  us  implore  his  assistance,  for  enabling  us  to 
act  well  our  own  part. 

After  passion  has  for  awhile  exercised  its  tyrannical 
sway,  its  vehemence  may  by  degrees  subside. 

This  fallacious  art,  instead  of  lengthening  life,  debars 
us  from  enjoying  it. 


Strength. J  perspicuity,  &c.  16') 

Indulging  ourselves  in  imaginary,  often  deprives  us 
of  real  enjoyments. 

When  reduced  to  poverty,  how  will  that  nobleman 
be  able  to  conduct  himself,  who  was  educated  only 
to  magnificence  and  pleasure  ? 

It  is  highly  proper  that  a  man  should  be  acquainted 
with  a  variety  of  things,  the  utility  of  which  is  above 
d  child's  comprehension  :  but  is  it  necessary,  or  even 
possible,  that  a  child  should  learn  every  thing  it  be- 
hooves a  man  to  know  ? 

When  they  fall  into  sudden  difficulties,  they  are 
less  perplexed,  and  when  they  encounter  dangers  they 
are  less  alarmed,  than  others  in  the  like  circumstances. 

For  all  your  actions,  and  particularly  for  the  em- 
ployments of  youth,  you  must  hereafter  give  an 
account. 

section  4. 
Grammar,  p.  306.     Exercises,  p.  197. 

Charity  breathes  habitual  kindness  towards  friends, 
courtesy  towards  strangers,  long-suffering  to  enemies. 

Gentleness  ought  to  form  our  address,  to  regulate 
our  speech,  and  to  diffuse  itself  over  our  whole  be- 
haviour. 

The  propensity  to  look  forward  into  life,  is  too 
often  immoderately  indulged,  and  grossly  abused. 

The  regular  tenor  of  a  virtuous  and  pious  life,  will 
prove  the  best  preparation  for  old  age,  for  death,  and 
for  immortality. 

These  rules  are  intended  to  teach  young  persons 
to  write  with  propriety,  perspicuity,  and  elegance. 

H 


170  key.  (Strength, 

Sinful  pleasures  degrade  human  honour,  and  blast 
the  opening  prospects  of  human  felicity. 

In  this  state  of  mind,  every  object  appears  gloomy, 
and  every  employment  of  life  becomes  an  oppressive 
burden. 

They  will  acquire  different  views,  by  entering  on 
a  virtuous  course  of  action,  and  applying  to  the 
honourable  discharge  of  the  functions  of  their 
station. 

By  the  perpetual  course  of  dissipation,  in  which' 
sensualists  are  engaged ;  by  the  excesses  which  they 
indulge;  by  the  riotous  revel,  and  the  midnight,  or 
rather  morning  hours,  to  which  they  prolong  their 
festivity ;  they  debilitate  their  bodies,  wear  out  their 
spirits,  and  cut  themselves  off  from  the  comforts  and 
duties  of  life. 

section  5. 

Grammar,  p.  306.     Exercises,  p.  198. 

By  what  I  have  already  expressed,  the  reader  will 
perceive  the  business  upon  which  I  am  to  proceed. 

May  the  happy  message  be  applied  to  us,  in  all 
its  virtue,  strength,  and  comfort ! 

Generosity  is  a  showy  virtue,  of  which  many  per- 
sons are  very  fond. 

These  arguments  were,  without  hesitation,  and 
with  great  eagerness,  embraced. 

It  is  proper  to  be  long  in  deliberating ;  but  we 
should  execute  speedily. 

Form  your  measures  with  prudence ;  but  divest 
yourselves  of  anxiety  about  the  issue. 

We  are  struck,  we  k'now  not  how,  with  the  sym- 


Strength.)  perspicuity,   &c.  17  1 

metry  of  anything  we  see;  and  immediately  ac- 
knowledge the  beauty  of  an  object,  without  in- 
quiring  into  the  cause  of  that  beauty. 

With  Cicero's  writings,  these  persons  are  more 
conversant,  than  with  those  of  Demosthenes,  who, 
bv  many  decrees,  as  an  orator  at  least,  excelled  the 
'»lher. 

section  G. 
Grammar,  p.  303.     Exercises,  p.  199. 

Olr  British  gardeners,  instead  of  following  nature, 
Jove  to  deviate  from  it  as  much  as  possible.  Or — 
instead  of  humouring,  &c.  love  to  thwart  it,  &c. 

I  have  observed  of  late  the  style  of  some  great 
ministers,  very  much  to  exceed  that  of  any  other 
writers. 

The  old  may  inform  the  young ;  and  the  young 
may  animate  the  old. 

The  account  is  generally  balanced  ;  for  what  we 
lose  on  the  one  hand,  we  gain  on  the  other. 

The  laughers  will  be  for  those  who  have  most 
wit ;  the  serious,  for  those  who  have  most  reason  on 
their  side. 

If  men  of  eminence  are  exposed  to  censure  on  the 
one  hand,  they  are  as  much  exposed  to  flattery  on  the 
other.  If  they  receive  reproaches  which  are  not 
due,  they  likewise  receive  praises  that  are  not  due. 

He  can  bribe,  but  he  cannot  seduce.  He  can 
buy,  but  he  cannot  gain.  He  can  lie,  but  he  cannot 
deceive. 

He  embraced  the  cause  of  liberty  faintly,  and  pur- 
sued it  irresolutely ;  he  grew  tired  of  it,  when  he  had 

H2 


172  KEY.  (Strength. 

much  to  hope ;  and  gave  it  up,  when  he  had  nothing 
to  fear. 

There  may  remain  a  suspicion  that  we  overrate 
the  greatness  of  his  genius,  in  the  same  manner  as 
■we  overrate  the  greatness  of  bodies,  that  are  dispro- 
portioned  and  misshapen. 

section  7. 
Grammar,  p.  309.     Exercises,  p.  200. 

Sobriety  of  mind  suits  the  present  state  of  man. 

As  supporters  of  unlawful  assemblies,  these  people 
were  seized  and  punished. 

To  use  the  Divine  name  habitually,  and  without 
serious  consideration,  is  highly  irreverent. 

From  the  kindness  with  which  he  was  at  first 
received,  great  hopes  of  success  were  entertained. 

They  conducted  themselves  craftily,  and  ensnared 
us  before  we  had  time  to  escape. 

To  our  confined  and  humble  station  it  belongs  not 
to  censure  ;  but  to  submit,  trust,  and  adore. 

The  solace  of  the  mind,  under  all  its  labours,  is 
hope ;   and  there  are  few  situations  which  exclude  it 

entirely. 

The  humiliation  of  the  mighty,  and  the  fall  of 
ambition  from  its  towering  height,  Jittle  concern  the 
bulk  of  mankind. 

Tranquillity,  order,  and  magnanimity,  dwell  with 
the  pious  and  resigned  man. 

Idleness,  ease,  and  prosperity,  have  a  natural  ten- 
dency to  generate  folly  and  vice. 

By  a  cheerful,  candid,  and  uniform  temper,  he 
conciliated  general  favour. 


Strength.)  perspicuity,  &c.  173 

We  reached  the  mansion  before  noon.  It  was  a 
strong,  magnificent,  Gothic  edifice. 

I  had  a  long  and  perilous  journey,  but  a  pleasing 
companion,  who  relieved  the  fatigue  of  it. 

The  speech  was  introduced  by  a  sensible  exordium, 
which  made  a  favourable  impression. 

The  commons  made  a  warm  remonstrance  against 
so  arbitrary  a  requisition. 

The  truly  illustrious  are  they  who  do  not  court 
the  praise  of  the  world,  but  who  perform  the  actions 
which  deserve  it. 

By  means  of  society,  our  wants  are  supplied,  and 
our  lives  are  rendered  comfortable  ;  our  capacities 
are  enlarged,  and  our  virtuous  affections  called  forth 
into  their  proper  exercise. 

Life  cannot  but  prove  vain  to  them  who  affect 
a  disrelish  of  every  pleasure,  that  is  not  both  exqui- 
site and  new ;  who  measure  enjoyment,  not  by  their 
own  feelings,  but  by  the  standard  of  fashion ;  who 
think  themselves  miserable  if  others  do  not  admire 
their  state. 

By  the  experience. of  distress,  an  arrogant  insen- 
sibility of  temper  is  most  effectually  corrected;  as 
the  remembrance  of  our  own  sufferings,  naturally 
prompts  us  to  feel  for  others  when  they  suffer. 
But  if  Providence  has  been  so  kind  as  not  to  subject 
us  to  much  of  this  discipline  in  our  own  lot,  let  us 
draw  improvement  from  the  harder  lot  of  others. 
Let  us  sometimes  step  aside  from  the  smooth  and 
flowery  paths,  in  which  we  are  permitted  to  walk, 
in  order  to  view  the  toilsome  march  of  our  fellows 
through  the  thorny  desert. 

H3 


174  key.  (Strength, 

As  no  one  is  without  his  failings,  few  also  are 
void  of  amiable  qualities. 

Providence  delivered  them  up  to  themselves,  and 
they  became  their  own  tormentors. 

From  disappointments  and  trials,  we  learn  the 
insufficiency  of  temporal  things  to  happiness;  and 
are  taught  to  seek  it  in  religion  and  virtue. 


(     175     ) 


CHAPTER  IV. 

Corrections   of  the  errors   that  relate  to  Figures  of 

Speech . 
Grammar,  p.  315.     Exercises,  p.  203. 

No  human  happiness  is  so  pure  as  not  to  contain 
any  alloy. 

There  is  a  time  when  factions,  by  their  vehemence, 
onfound  and  disable  one  anotru  r. 

I  intend  to  make  use  of  these  words  mmy  following 
speculations.     Or — in  the  course  of  my  speculations. 

Hope,  the  cheering  star  of  life,  darts  a  ray  of  light 
through  the  thickest  gloom. 

The  scheme  was  highly  expensive  to  him,  and 
proved  the  gulf  of  his  estate. 

He  was  so  much  skilled  in  the  exercise  of  the  oar, 
that  few  could  equal  him. 

The  death  of  Cato  has,  if  I  may  be  allowed  to  say 
so,  rendered  the  Senate  an  orphan. 

Let  us  be  careful  to  suit  our  sails  to  the  wind  and 
weather ;  and  to  steer  our  vessel  aright,  that  we  may 
avoid  the  rocks  and  shoals,   which  lie  everv  where 

<>und  u- 

At  length  Erasmus,  that  great  injur'd  name, 
(The  glory  of  the  priesthood  and  the  shame,) 
Stemm'd  the  wild  torrent  of  a  barb'rous  au> 
And  drove  those  holy  Vandals  off  the 

In  this  our  day  of  proof,  our  land  of  hope, 
The  good  man  has  his  clouds  that  Intervene; 

H  i 


176  key.  (Figures. 

Clouds  that  may  dim  his  sublunary  day, 
But  cannot  darken  ;  even  the  best  must  own, 
Patience  and  resignation  are  the  pillars 
Of  human  peace  on  earth. 

On  the  wide  sea  of  letters,  'twas  thy  boast 
To  crowd  each  sail,  and  touch  at  ev'ry  coast : 
From  that  rich  deep  how  often  hast  thou  brought 
The  pure  and  precious  pearls  of  splendid  thought ! 
How  didst  thou  triumph  on  that  subject  tide, 
Till  vanity's  wild  gust,  and  stormy  pride, 
Drove  thy  strong  bark,  in  evil  hour,  to  split 
Upon  the  fatal  rock  of  impious  wit ! 

Since  the  time  that  reason  began  to  exert  her 
pouers,  thought,  during  our  waking  hours,  has  been 
active  in  every  breast,  without  a  moment's  suspension 
or  pause.  The  current  of  ideas  has  been  always 
flowing.  The  wheels  of  the  spiritual  engine  have 
circulated  with  perpetual  motion. 

The  man  who  has  no  rule  over  his  own  spirit, 
possesses  no  defence  against  dangers  of  any  sort.  He 
lies  open  to  every  insurrection  of  ill-humour,  and 
every  invasion  of  distress.  Whereas  he  who  is  em- 
ployed in  regulating  his  mind,  is  making  provision 
against  all  the  accidents  of  life.  He  is  erecting 
a  fortress  into  which,  in  the  day  of  danger,  he  can 
retreat  with  safety. 

Tamerlane  the  Great,  writes  to  Bajazet,  emperor 
of  the  Ottomans,  in  the  following  terms. — "  Where 
is  the  monarch  who  dares  resist  us  ?  Where  is  the 
potentate  who  does  not  glory  in  being  numbered 
among  our  attendants?  As  for  thee,  ignobly  descended, 
since  thy  unbounded   ambition  hath  subverted  all  thy 


Figures.)  perspicuity,  &c.  177 

vain  expectatiojis,  it  would  be  proper,  that  thou 
shouldst  repress  thy  temerity,  repent  of  thy  perfidy,  and 
become  just  and  sincere  in  all  thy  transactions.  This 
will  secure  to  thee  a  safe  and  quiet  retreat ;  and  pre - 
sen-e  thee  from  falling  a  victim  to  that  vengeance,  which 
thou  hast  so  highly  provoked,  and  so  justly  deserved. 

It  is  pleasant  to  be  virtuous  and  good;  because 
that  is  to  excel  many  others :  it  is  pleasant  to  grow 
better ;  because  that  is  to  excel  ourselves :  it  is 
pleasant  even  to  mortify  and  subdue  our  lusts;  because 
that  is  victory:  it  is  pleasant  to  command  our  appe- 
tites and  passions,  and  to  keep  them  in  due  order, 
within  the  bounds  of  reason  and  religion;  because 
this  is  empire. 


H5 


(     178     ) 


CHAPTER  V. 

Corrections  of  the  errors  in  the  chapter   of  promis- 
cuous exercises. 

See  Exercises,  p.  206. 
SECTION    1. 

What  is  human  life  to  all,  but  a  mixture  of  somt 
scattered  joys  and  pleasures,  with  various  cares  and 
troubles  ? 

Favours  of  every  kind  are  doubled,  luhen  they  are 
speedily  conferred.      Or — when  speedily  conferred. 

He  that  is  himself 'weary,  will  soon  weary  the  com- 
pany. 

He  that  will  have  the  kindness  of  others,  must  en- 
dure their  follies. 

The  first  years  of  man  must  make  provision  for  the 
1  ast.     Or —  should  make  provision. 

Perpetual  levity  must  end  in  ignorance. 

In  these,  and  in  similar  cases,  we  should,  generally, 
in  our  alms,  suffer  no  one  to  be  witness,  but  Him  who 
must  see  every  thing. 

The  neglect  of  his  studies  and  opportunities  of 
improvement,  is  the  ground  of  his  being  so  badly 
(jualified  for  the  business..  Or — is  the  reason  that  he 
is  so  badly,  &c. 

That  Plutarch  wrote  the  lives  of  Demosthenes  and 
Cicero  at  Chaeronea,  is  clear  from  his  own  account. 

I  wish  to  cultivate  a  further  acquaintance  with 
you. 


Promiscuous.)         perspicuity,  &c.  17'.' 

He  may  make  the  attempt,  but  lie  cannot  succeed. 

No  pains  were  spared  by  his  tutor,  to  improve  him 
in  all  useful  knowledge. 

In  no  scene  of  her  life  was  Mary's  address  m< 
remarkably  displayed. 

This  was  the  original  cause  of  so    barbarous  a 
practice. 

By  a  variety  of  false  insinuations,   he  craftily  en- 
deavoured to  turn  the  emperor  to  his  purpose. 

The   beauty   displayed   in   the  earth,    equals  tht- 
grandeur  conspicuous  in  the  heavens. 

In  Me  health  and   vigour  of  the  body,    and  in  the 
flourishing  state  of  worldly  fortune,  all  rejoice. 

What  passes  iu  the  hearts  of  men,   is  generally 

visible  to  the  public  eye. 

Many  associations  are  formed  by  laws   the   most 

arbitrary. 

These  instances  will,  it  is  hoped',   be  sufficient  to 
satisfy  every  reasonable  mind. 

Bv  rules  so  general  and  comprehensive  as  tfiese  arc, 
the  clearest  ideas  are  conveyed. 

He  determined  not  to  comply  with  the  proposal, 
unless  he  should  receive  a  fair  compensation. 

There  can  be  no  doubt  that   health   is  preferable 

riches. 

We  believe,  said  they  to  their  friends,  that  the  pi  - 
rusal  of  such  books  has  ruined  our  principles.  <  )x — 
ruined  your  principlt 

John's  temper  greatly  indisposed  him    for  gii 
ruction.     Or— for  receiving  instruction. 

Vegetation  is  constantly  though  no  eye 

can  trace  its  gradations. 

11  o 


1  SO  key.  (Promiscuous. 

His  importunity  was  the  reason  of  my  consenting  to 
the  measure. 

I  conceived  a  great  regard  for  him,  and  /  could  not 
but  mourn  for  the  loss  of  him.  Or— for  the  loss  he 
had  sustained. 

He  was  confined  in  his  own  house,  by  the  officer 
who  had  apprehended  him.  Or — He  was  confined 
in  the  house  of  the  officer,  hy  whom  he  had  been  appre- 
hended. 

Charlotte,  the  friend  of  Amelia,  to  whom  no 
one  imputed  blame,  was  too  prompt  in  her  friend's 
vindication.     Or — in  her  own  vindication. 

Men  who  are  rich  and  avaricious,  drown  them- 
selves in  a  spring  which  might  have  watered  all 
around  them. 

I  should  prefer  his  being  of  rather  slow  parts,  than 
o/a  bad  disposition. 

As  soon  as  Eugenius  undertook  the  care  of  a 
parish,  it  engrossed  his  attention. 

The  plan  will  at  once  contribute  to  general  con- 
venience, and  to  the  beauty  and  elegance  of  the 
town. 

Together  with  the  national  debt,  the  greatest  na- 
tional advantages  are  transmitted  to  succeeding  ge- 
nerations. 

Their  intimacy  had  probably  commenced  in  the 
happier  period  of  their  youth  and  obscurity. 

His  subject  is  precisely  of  that  kind,  which  only  a 
daring  imagination  could  have  adopted. 

This  emperor  conjured  the  Senate,  that  the  purity 
of  his  reign  might  not  be  stained  by  the  blood  of  even 
a  guilty  senator. 

It  is  a  happy  constitution  of  mind,  to  be  able  to 


Promiscuous.  J       perspicuity,  &c.  18  1 

view  successive  objects  so  steadily,  that  the  more 
important  may  never  prevent  us  from  doing  justice 
to  those  which  are  of  less  consequence. 

This  activity  drew  over  to  Virginia,  great  numbers 
f  enterprising  men;  who  came   either  in  search  of 
fortune,  or  of  liberty,  which  was  the  only  compen- 
sation for  the  want  ot 'fortune. 

The  erroneous  judgment  of  parents,  respecting  the 
conduct  of  schoolmasters,  has  pavtd  the  way  to  the 
ruin  of  hopeful  boys,  and  disturbed  the  peace  of  many 
an  ingenious  man,  who  had  engaged  in  the  care  <>1 
youth. 

section  2. 

Exercises,  p.  209. 

The  Greek  is,  doubtless,  a  language  much  superior, 
in  richness,  harmony,  and  variety,  to  the  Latin. 
Those  three  great  geniuses  flourished  in  the  same 

period. 

He  has  made  a  judicious  adaptation  of  the  examples 

to  the  rule. 

This  part  of  knowledge  has  been  always  growing, 
and  it  will  continue  to  grow,  till  the  subject  be  ex- 
hausted. 

A    boy  of  twelve  years  of  age  may   study   th- 
lessons.     Or — a  boy  twelve  years  old. 

The  servant  produced  from  his  late  master  an 
unexceptionable  character. 

I  am  surprised  that  so  great  a  philosopher  should 
spend  his  time  in  the  pursuit  of  such  chimeras. 

The  ends  of  a  divine,  and  those  of  a  human  legi- 
slator, are  vastly  different 


1S2  .  key.  (Promiscuous. 

Scarcely  had  the  "Spirit  of  Laws"  made  its  ap- 
pearance, when  it  was  attacked.  Or — No  sooner 
than. 

His  donation  was  the  more  acceptable,  because  it 
was  given  without  solicitation.     Or — as  it  ivas  given, 

&G. 

This  subject  is  an  unwelcome  intruder,  affording 
an  uneasy  sensation,  and  ahvays  bringing  with  it  a 
mixture  of  concern  and  compassion. 

He  accordingly  draws  out  his  forces,  and  offers 
battle  to  Hiero,  who  immediately  accepts  it. 

James  lay  late  in  bed  yesterday;  and  this  morning 
he  lies  still  later. 

The  reason  of  this  strange  proceeding,  will  be  ex- 
plained, when  I  make  my  defence. 

I  have  often  observed  him,  and  this  is  his  mode  of 
proceeding:  he^rs*  enjoins  silence ;  and  then,  &c. 

Not  having  known  or  considered  the  subject,  he 
made  a  crude  decision. 

All  of  them  were  deceived  by  his  fair  pretences, 
and  all  of  them  lost  their  property. 

It  is  more  than  a  year  since  I  left  school. 

He  was  guilty  of  conduct  so  atrocious,  that  he  was 
entirely  deserted  by  his  friends. 

No  other  employment  than  that  of  a  bookseller, 
suited  his  taste.  Or — No  employment  but  that  of  a 
bookseller,  &c. 

By  this  I  am  instructed,  and  by  that  I  am  honoured. 

I  pleaded  that  I  was  sincere ;  and,  after  some 
time,  he  assented  to  the  truth  of  it;  by  which  I  en- 
tirely escaped  punishment. 

To  this  I  am  the  more  disposed,  as  it  will  serve  to 
illustrate  the  principles  above  advance*'. 


Promiscuous.)       perspicuity,  &c.  183 

From  what  I  have  said,  you  will  readily  perceive 
the  subject  on  which  I  am  to  proceed. 

These  are  points  too  trivial  to  be  noticed.     The) 
are  objects  with  which  I  am  totally  unacquainted. 

The  nearer  that  men  approach  to  each  other,   tli. 
more  numerous  are  their  points  of  contact,  and   the 
greater  will  be  their  pleasures  or  their  pains. 

Thus   I   have  endeavoured    to   render  the  subject 

more  intelligible. 

This  is  the  most  useful  art  which  men  possess. 

In  dividing  their  subjects,  the  French  writers  <>t 
sermons  study  neatness. 

There  is  not  more  beauty  in  one  of  them  than  in 
another. 

section  3. 
Exercises,  p.  211. 

Study  to  unite  gentleness  of  manners  with  firmness  oj 
principle,  affable  behaviour  with  untainted  integrity 

In  that  work,  we  are  frequently  interrupted  by  un- 
natural thoughts. 

If  we  except  two  or  three  expressions,  the  composi- 
tion is  not  liable  to  censure. 

To  answer  his  purpose  effectually,  he  selected  a 
very  moving  story. 

I  am  not  able  to  discover  whether  these  points  are 
in  any  manner  connected. 

These  are  arguments  which  cannot  be  refuted  by 
all  the  cavils  of  infidelity. 

twos  much  inclined  to  reply  to  this)  in  iter. 

I  hope  that  I  shall  not  be  troubled  in  future,  on 
this,  or  anv  similar  occasion. 


184-  key.  .  (Promiscuous. 

It  is  difficult  to  unite  copiousness  with  precision. 

Let  us  consider  the  proper  means  to  effect  our 
purpose. 

We  must  pay  attention  to  what  precedes,  and  what 
immediately  follows. 

The  more  this  track  is  pursued,  and  the  more  elo- 
quence is  studied,  the  better  we  shall  be  guarded 
against  a  false  taste. 

True  believers  of  every  denomination  compose 
the  church  of  God. 

This  is  the  substance  of  what  has  been  said  on  the 
subject. 

A  perfect  union  of  wit  and  judgment,  is  one  of 
the  rarest  things  that  occur. 

Praise,  like  gold  and  diamonds,  owes  its  value  only 
to  its  scarcity. 

Intemperance,  though  it  may  fire  the  spirits  for  an 
hour,  will  make  life  short  or  miserable. 

From  the  errors  of  their  education,  all  their  miseries 
have  proceeded. 

The  disinterestedness  of  their  conduct  produced  ge- 
neral admiration. 

I  viewed  the  habitation  of  my  departed  friend. — 
Venerable  shade!  I  gave  thee  a  tear  then:  accept 
of  one  cordial  drop  that  falls  to  thy  memory  now. 

We  are  here  to-day ;  and  gone  to-morrow. 

This  author  is  more  remarkable  for  strength  of 
sentiment,  than  for  harmony  of  language. 

Many  persons  are  more  delighted  with  correct 
and  elegant  language,  than  with  important  sentiments 
and  accurate  reasoning. 

I  feel  myself  grateful  to  my  friend,  for  all  the  in- 


Promiscuous.)        perspicuity,  &c.  185 

stances  of  kindness,  which  he  has  manifested  to  me. 
Or— -for  all  his  proofs  of  kindness. 

It  is  not  from  this  world  that  any  ray  of  comfort 
tan  proceed,  to  cheer  the  gloom  of  the  last  hour. 

section   4. 
Exercises,  p.  213. 

It  is  dangerous  for  mortal  beauty,  or  terrestrial 
virtue,  to  be  examined  by  too  strong  a  light. 

Beautiful  women  seldom  possess  any  great  accom- 
plishments of  mind,  because  thev,  for  the  most  part. 
study  behaviour  rather  than  solid  excellence. 

To  fret  and  repine  at  every  disappointment  of  ow 
hes,  is  to  discover  the  temper  of  froward  children, 
not  of  men,  far  less  of  Christians. 

It  is  decreed  by  Providence,  that  nothing  truly 
valuable  shall  be  obtained  in  our  present  state,  but 
with  difficulty  and  danger. 

Labour  necessarily  requires  pauses  of  ease  and  re- 
laxation ;  and  the  deliciousness  of  ease  commonly 
makes  us  unwilling  to  return  to  labour. 

Nothing  can  be  great  which  is  not  right ;  nothing 
which  reason  condemns,  can  be  suitable  to  the  dignity 
of  the  human  mind. 

In  youth,  we  have  warm  hopes,  which  arc  soon 
blasted  by  rashness  and  negligence;  and  great  de- 
signs, which  are  defeated  by  inexperience. 

To  the  children  of  idleness,  the  haunts  of  dissipation 
open  many  a  wide  and  inviting  gate,  by  nig/it  and 
by  day. 

True  virtue  must  form  one  complete  and  entire  systi  m. 


186  key.  (Promiscuous. 

AH  its  parts  are  connected ;  piety  with  morality, 
charity  with  justice,  benevolence  with  temperance 
and  fortitude. 

Dissimulation  degrades  parts  and  learning;  obscures 
the  lustre  of  every  accomplishment;  and  sinks  us  into 
universal  contempt. 

Positive  as  you  novo  are  in  your  opinions,  and  con- 
fident in  your  assertions,  be  assured  that  the  time 
approaches,  when  both  men  and  things  will  appear  to 
you  in  a  different  light. 

In  this  age  of  dissipation  and  luxury,  how  many 
avenues  are  constantly  open  that  lead  to  the  temple 
of  folly! 

By  extravagance  and  idleness,  and  the  vain  ambi- 
tion of  emulating  others  in  the  splendid  show  of  life, 
many  run  into  expense  beyond  their  fortune. 

Objects  are  distinguished  from  each  other  by  their 
qualities  :  they  are  separated  by  the  distance  of  time 
or  place. 

Clarendon,  being  a  man  of  extensive  capacity, 
stored  his  mind  with  a  variety  of  ideas;  which  cir- 
cumstance contributed  to  the  successful  exertion  of 
his  vigorous  abilities. 

SECTION  5. 

Exercises,  p.  214. 

The  highest  degree  of  reverence  should  be  paid  to 
youth;  and  nothing  indecent  should  be  suffered  to 
approach  their  eyes  or  ears. 

He  who  is  blessed  with  a  clear  conscience,  enjoys, 
in  the  worst  conjunctures  of  human  life,  a  peace,  a 
dignity,  an  elevation  of  mind,  peculiar  to  virtue. 


Promiscuous.)       perspicuity.,  6cc. 

In  a  few  years,  the  hand  of  industry  may  change 
the  face  of  a  country  ;   but  it  often   requires  as  many 
generations,  to  change  the    sentiments  and  maun 
of  a  people. 

When  the  human  mind  dwells  long  and  attentively 
on  any  subject,  the  passions  are  apt  to  grow  warm, 
interested,  and  enthusiastic;  and  often  force  into  then 
service  the  understanding  which  thev  ouj^ht  to  obev. 

Cj  tj  C  m 

Some  years  afterwards,  being  released  from  prison, 
he  was,  by  reason  of  his  consummate  knowledge  of  civil 

law    and  military   affairs,   exalted  •  to   the   supreme 
p    ver. 

The  discontented  man  is  never  found  without  a  great 
share  of  malignity.  His  spleen  irritates  and  sours  his 
temper,  and  leads  him  to  discharge  its  venom  on  all 
with  whom  he  stands  connected. 

We  cannot  doubt  that  all  the  proceedings  of  Pro- 
vidence, when  fully  understood,  will  appear  as  equi- 
table, as  now  they  seem  irregular. 

All  that  great  wealth  generally  gives  above  a   mo- 
derate fortune,  is,  more  room  for  the  freaks  of  cap  ri< 
and  more  privilege  for  ignorance  and  vice;  a  quick  - 
succession  of  flatteries,  and  a  larger  circle  of  volup- 
tuousness. 

The  miscarriages  of  the  great  designs  of  print* 
are  recorded  in  the  histories  of  the  world,  but  ai 
small  use  to  the  bulk  of  mankind,   who   seem  \«  i\ 
little  interested   in    admonitions  against  errors  which 
they  cannot  commit. 

Were  there  any  man  who  could  say,   that  he  had 
never,  in  the  course  of  his  life,  suffered  himself  to  be 
transported  by  passion,  or  given  just  ground  oi  ofii 
to  any  one,  such  a  man  might  have  some  plea  for  impa- 


1S8  key.  (Promiscuous. 

tience,  when  he  received  from  others  unreasonable 
treatment. 

Christianity  will,  at  some  future  period,  influence 
the  conduct  of  nations  as  well  as  of  individuals.  But 
this  event,  though  its  greatest,  ivill  probably  be  its  latest 
triumph  ;  for  it  can  be  effected  only  through  the  me- 
dium of  private  character:  and  it  will,  therefore,  be  a 
change  not  rapid  in  its  progress,  and  visible  at  every 
step;  but  gradual^  its  advances,  and  perceptible  only 
when  considerable  effects  have  been  produced. 

The  British  constitution  stands  among  the  nations  of 
the  earth,  like  an  ancient  oak  in  the  wood,  which,  after 
having  overcome  many  a  blast,  overtops  the  other 
trees  of  the  forest,  and  commands  respect  and  vene- 
ration. 


section  6. 
Exercises,  p.  216, 

What  an  anchor  is  to  a  ship  in  a  dark  night,  on  an 
unknown  coast,  and  amidst  a  boisterous  ocean,  that  is 
the  hope  of  future  happiness  to  the  soul,  when  dis- 
tracted by  the  confusions  of  the  world.  In  danger, 
it  gives  security ;  amidst  general  fluctuation,  it  affords 
one  fixed  point  of  rest. 

Our  pride  and  self-conceit  render  us  quarrelsome 
and  contentious,  by  nourishing  a  weak  and  childish 
sensibility  to  every  fancied  point  of  our  own  honour 
or  interest,  while  they  shut  up  all  regard  to  the  ho- 
nour or  interest  of  our  brethren. 

If  there  be  any  first  principle  of  wisdom,  it  is  un- 
doubtedly this:  the  distresses  that  are  removable, 
endeavour  to  remove;  those  which  cannot  be  removed, 


Promiscuous.)        perspicuity..  &c.  ISO 

bear  with  as  little  disquiet  as  you  can  :  in  every  situa- 
tion of  life,  there  are  comforts;  find  than  out,  and 
enjoy  them. 

Instead  of  aspiring  beyond  your  proper  level, 
bringdown  your  mind  to  your  state;  lest,  by  aiming 
too  high,  you  spend  your  life  in  a  train  of  fruitless 
pursuits,  and  bring  yourself  at  last  to  a  state  of  entire 
insignificance  and  contempt. 

Often  have  we  seen,  that  what  we  considered  at 
the  time,  as  a  sore  disappointment,  has  proved,  in 
the  issue,  to  be  a  merciful  providence ;  and  that, 
if  what  ice  once  eagerly  nishedfor  had  been  obtained,  it 
would  have  been  so  far  from  making  us  happy,  that 
it  would  have  produced  our  ruin. 

Can  the  stream  continue  to  fiovj,  when  it  is  cut  off 
from  the  fountain?  Can  the  branch  flourish  when  torn 
away  from  the  stock  which  gave  it  nourishment  ?  No 
more  can  dependent  spirits  be  happy,  when  deprived 
o/all  union  with  the  Father  of  spirits,  and  the  Foun- 
tain of  happiness. 

Prosperity  is  redoubled  to  a  good  man,  by  his  gene- 
rous use  of  it.  It  is  reflected  back  upon  him  from 
every  one  whom  he  makes  happy.  In  the  intercourse 
of  domestic  affection,  in  the  attachment  of  friends,  the 
gratitude  of  dependents,  the  esteem  and  good-will  of  all 
who  knoiv  him,  he  sees  blessings  multiplied  round 
him  on  every  side. 

H  that  would  pass  the  latter  part  of  life  with  honour 
and  dt-cency,  must,  when  he  is  young,  consider,  that 
he  shall  one  day  be  old;  and  remember  when  he  is 
old,  that  he  once  was  young.  In  youth,  he  must  lay 
up  knowledge  for  his  support,  when  his  powers  of 
acting  shall  forsake  him;  and  in  age,  forbear  to  ani- 


J  90  key.  (Promiscuous. 

madvert  with  rigour,  on  faults  which  experience  only 
can  correct. 

Let  us  consider  that  youth  is  not  o/long  duration; 
and  that  in  maturer  age,  when  the  enchantments  of 
fancy  shall  cease,  and  phantoms  dance  no  more  about 
us,  we  shall  have  no  comforts  but  the  approbation  of 
our  own  hearts,  the  esteem  of  wise  men,  and  the  'Means 
of  doing  good.  Let  us  live  as  men  who  are  some  time 
to  grow  old ;  and  to  whom  it  will  be  the  most  dreadful 
of  all  evils,  to  count  their  past  years  only  bv  follies, 
and  to  be  reminded  of  their  former  luxuriance  of 
health,  only  by  the  maladies  which  riot  has  pro- 
duced. 


ALPHABETICAL    INDEX 


TO     THE 


Grammar,  Exercises,  and  Kev 


ALPHABETICAL  INDEX,  & 


AS  the  Grammar  contains  a  considerable  number  of 
positions  and  minor  rules,  which  are  not  readily  discover- 
able by  the  general  arrangement  of  the  work  ;  and  as  the 
last  editions  of  the  Exercises  and  Key,  comprise  many  cri- 
tical and  explanatory  notes,  which  could  not  conveniently 
be  inserted  in  the  Grammar}  the  author  conceived  that  an 
Alphabetical  Index  to  the  Grammar,  Exercises,  and  Key, 
would  not  be  unacceptable  to  the  reader.  With  this  view, 
and  in  conformity  with  the  wishes  of  persons,  for  whose 
judgment  he  entertains  great  respect,  he  has  produced  the 
following  Index  to  the  three  books. 

In  forming  this  work,  it  was  not  his  sole  design  to  assist 
the  student,  in  readily  discovering  any  particular  subjects 
of  gramYnar.  He  wished  also  to  express  the  most  im- 
portant principles  of  the  art,  in  short,  comprehensive,  and 
striking  sentences,  calculated  to  stimulate  the  learner's 
curiosity,  and  to  impress  the  subjects  more  deeply  in  his 
memory.  The  author  was  desirous  that  the  work  should 
at  once  form  an  Index  to  particulars,  and  an  Epitome  of 
the  chief  rules  and  principles  of  the  language. 

I 


194 


PREFACE. 


The  reader  who  consults  this  Index,  will  observe  that 
the  references  to  the  pages  always  point  to  the  Grammar, 
unless  the  Exercises,  or  the  Key,  are  mentioned.  The 
Nineteenth  edition  of  the  Grammar,  the  Tivelfth  of  the 
Exercises,  and  the  Tenth  of  the  Key,  are  the  editions 
referred  to:  and  the  pages  of  reference  to  each  of  the 
books,  will  be  the  same,  in  every  subsequent  edition. 

In  all  cases,  where  explanatory  notes,  or  critical  dis- 
cussions, have  been  inserted  in  the  Exercises  or  the  Key, 
the  Index  refers  to  the  pages  which  contain  them :  and,  in 
a  few  special  cases,  these  books  are  referred  to,  as  illus- 
trating and  exemplifying  the  rules.  But  general  references 
of  this  kind  could  not  be  made,  without  giving  the  Index 
too  great  an  extent.  The  student  may,  however,  in  every 
rule  that  is  mentioned,  readily  apply  to  the  correspondent 
Exercise  and  Key;  in  which  he  will 'always  find  a  variety 
of  exemplification,  and,  in  many  instances,  extended  views 
of  the  subject. 


ALPHABETICAL  INDEX. 


A. 

^absolute.     Case  Absolute — Its  nature  explained,  78,  141 

It  belongs  to  no  verb,  expressed  or  implied,  140 

How  to  be  parsed,  -- 1 

How  to  be  pointed,  261 

Accent.     Its  nature  and  distinctions,  224 — 

Accent  dignifies  syllables ;  emphasis,  words,  233 

Manner  of  pronouncing  the  unaccented  vowels,   denotes  the 
speaker's  education,  31,  32 

By  what  marks  signified, 

Accusative  case.     The  same  as  the  objective, 

Address  to  the  young  students,  on  the  use  and   abuse  of  their 
literary  attainments,  327,  32S 

Adjective.     The  definition  of  it,  5* 

It  is  varied  only  by  degrees  of  comparison,  57 

Whether  the  positive  is  a  degree  of  comparison,  57 

Various  modes  of  forming  the  degrees  of  comparison,      57, 
How  adjectives  become  nouns,  and  nouns  adjectives,     58,  166 
Though  the  degrees  of  comparison  are  indefinite  in  number, 
yet  language  requires  but  few  of  them,  59 

The  superlative  of  Eminence,  and  the  superlative  of  Compa- 
rison, distinguished,  60 
Every  adjective  lias  it>  substantive,  156 
Adjectives  improperly  used  as  adverbs,  161,  162 
Rules  for  avoiding  this  impropriety,                        Exercises,  140 

Adjective  pronouu  such  is  often  misapplied, 

I  2 


196  INDEX. 

Adjective.  Double  comparatives  and  superlatives  improper,  162 

Adjectives  having  a  superlative  signification,  do  not  admit  of 

comparison,  163 

Degrees  of  it  often  inaccurately  applied,  163,  164 

In  particular  cases,  the    adjective  and  noun  should  not  be 

separated,  164 

When  placed  before,  when  after  its  noun,  164,   165 

A  plural  adjective  pronoun  will  sometimes  associate  with  a 

singular  noun,  165 

In  what  cases  to  be  omitted,  in  what  repeated,  208 

How  to  be  pointed,  259 

Adjective  pronoun.     See  Pronoun. 

Adjuncts.     Their  nature  and  punctuation,  258,  263 

Adverb.     Its  nature,  origin,  and  varieties,  119 — 121 

The  same  word  occasionally  used  as  an  adverb,  an  adjective, 

or  a  substantive,  120.     See  Words. 

Adverbs  of  time  not  superseded   by  the  tenses   of  verbs — - 

and  why,  1 22 

Adverbs  improperly  used  as  adjectives,  162 

This  point  elucidated,  Exercises,  84.     Key,  46 

Rules  to  determine  when  the  adverb,  and  when  the  adjective, 

should  be  used,  Exercises,   140 

Its  appropriate  situation  in  general,  186,  187,  288 

The  adverb  never  commonly  precedes  the  verb,  188 

The  adverb  where  improperly  used  for  in  which,  188 

Adverbs  improperly  used  for  substantives,  188,  189 

When  to  be  omitted,  2 1 0 

How  tb  be  pointed,  260,  264 

See  Negatives. 

Affirmation  is  not  the  essence  of  the  verb,  72,  73,  76 

Allegory-.     Its  nature.     Rules  for  u^ing  it  properly,     319,320 

Alphabet.    Nature  of  a  perfect  one,  15 

The  English  alphabet  imperfect,  15 — 17 

Antithesis.     Its  nature,  323— It  should  be  discreetly  used,    324 


INDEX.  197 

Aeology  for  the  author's  frequent  additions  to  his  grammatical 

works  Key, 

Apostrophe.     The  nature  and  use  of  this  figure, 

See  Characters. 
Apposition.      Rule   respecting   the    cases   of    nouns    in    appo- 
sition, 169,177.     Exercises,  92 
Nouns  in  this  state  how  to  he  pointed, 
See  Xcuns. 
Arrangement.     A  skilful  arrangement  of  words  and  members, 
promotes  perspicuity,                     \52,  164,  186,  187,  2S8 — l2'lLi 
It  also  promotes  the  strength  of  a  sentence,  303 — 
It  conduces  to  the  harmony  of  language,  311 — 313 
Ahticle.     Its  nature,  use,  and  importance,                44 — 46,167 
The  article  a  agrees  with  nouns  in  the  singular  number  only  : 
the  article  the  with  nouns  in  both  numbers,  166 
Omitting  or  using  the  article  a  forms  a  nice  distinction  in  the 
sense,  168 
When  to  be  omitted,  when  repeated,     168,  169,  207,  208,     " 
Article  the  used  as  an  epithet  of  distinction,                            165 
Article  the  is  sometimes  used  instead  of  the  possessive  pro- 

noun, 
It  sometimes  governs  the  participle,  184 

Articulation.     The  nature  of  it  explained, 

miliary  verbs.     Thtir  nature,  use,  and  importance, 

71,  73,79,  So,  95— 99 
The  same  verb  is  sometimes  an  auxiliary,  sometimes  a  prin- 
cipal, 
Their  form  in  the  Subjunctive  Mood,  90,  99,  196—201 

This  form  exemplified,  Exercises,  108 — 1  12.     Key,  74 — 78 

Auxiliary  and  principal  constitute  but  on--  ■■■  \    , 

84,  85,  100,  10b,  li  9 
Auxiliary  and  principal  form  a  compound  tense, 
The  auxiliaries  should,  would,  ice.  refer  occasionally  to  present, 

past,  and  future  time,  83,91,180 

I  3 


J98  INDEX. 

Auxiliary.     The  auxiliary  let  governs  the  objective  case,        ITS 

When  to  be  omitted,  or  repeated,  209,  210'.     Key,  88 

Auxiliary  words   abound   in  English,    and  in   other  modern 

tongues,  119 

See  Verb. 


B. 

The  Bible.  The  pi-esent  translation  of  it  is  the  best  standard  of 
the  English  language,  161 

Dr.  Blair's  recommendation  of  the  study  of  grammar  and  com- 
position, 6,  7 

C. 

Cadence.     Its  nature,  and  how  to  be  managed,  238,  239 

The    close    of    a    sentence  should   not  be   abrupt,    or  un- 
pleasant, 314 
Cesura  and  demi-caesura.     The  nature  of  these  poetical  pauses 
explained,                                                                              249,231 
Capital  letters.     Rules  respecting  the  use  of  them,          272,  273 
Mode  of  exercising  the  student  in  them,                Exercises,  154 
Case.     Only  three  in  English,  53 
Mode  of  forming  cases  in  Latin,  not  applicable  to  our  lan- 
guage, 54 
Reasons  in  support  of  an  objective  case  attached  to  English 
nouns,                                                                       54—56,  110 
The  verb  to  be  has  the  same  case  before  and  after  it,            177 
This  rule  applies  also,  if  the  verb  is  not  expressed,         Ex*  93 
Passive  verbs  of  naming  have  the  same  case  before  and  after 
them,                                                                178.     Exercises,  93 
Rules  which  determine  the  possessive  case,                   169 — 1  <5 
The  sign  of  the  possessive  case  is  sometimes  applied  to  but 
one  of  the  governed  nouns,  sometimes  to  more,               170 


INDEX. 


199 


270- 

137 

288 

288 

291: 

,  292 

265; 

,  266 

25S- 

-264 

321 

261 

Case.     Rules  whicli  determine  the  objective  case,  175— 

The  same  cases  of  nouns  and  pronouns  are  connected  by  c<m- 

1°4 
junctions, 

See  Nominative  Case.     Possessive  Case. 
Case  absolute.     See  Absolute. 

Characters.     Particular  ones  used  in  composition, 
Clause  of  a  sentence  explained, 
Clearness  of  a  sentence.     Rules  to  promote  it,  viz. 
The  proper  position  of  adverbs, 
The  due  position  of  circumstances, 
The  proper  disposition  of  relatives,  &c. 
Climax.     The  nature  of  this  figure, 
Colon.     Directions  for  using  it, 
Comma.     Rules  for  applying  it  in  all  its  varieties, 
Comparison.     Its  rules  as  a  figure  of  speech, 
Comparative  members  how  to  be  pointed, 
See  Adjectives. 
Concord  and  government  explained,  138 

Conjugation.     See  Verb. 

Conjunctions.     Their  nature  and  distinctions,  126,  127 

Their  peculiar  use  and  importance,  128,  '  - 

The    copulative    and    disjunctive    conjunctions    operate    dif- 
ferently on  the  verb,  143 — 
Their  power  in  determining  the  mood  of  verbs,  104,  194 
In  what  cases  they  influence  the  form  of  verbs,  and  in  what 

cases  they  do  not,  195—2 

Some  of  them  require  correspondent  conjunctions,       20$,  204 
Often  used  improperly,  i><>th  singly  and  in  pairs,  204 

Differenteffects  of omitting  or  repeating  them,  205,210,301, 
The  nature  and   construction  of  than  and  but,  explained 
large,  A    .,  p.   Si- 

Conjunctive  termination.     The  in  ited,  in  which  it  is  to 

be  applied  to  the  verb,  103,  19b— 205 

Consonant.     Its  precise  nature  and  divisions, 

14 


200  INDEX. 

Consonant.      Distinction  between  its  name  and  nature,  is   of 

great  importance,  19 

How  to  apply  consonants  most  advantageously,  309 — 312 
See  rowels  and  Consonants. 


D. 

Dash.     In  what  cases  to  be  applied,  267 

Declension.     The  noun  and  pronoun  declined,  53,  62 

But  one  declension  in  English,  55 

More  than  one  would  be  useless  and  improper,  55 

Derivation.  Ways  in  which  words  are  derived  from  one 
another,  130—133 

Remarks  on  the  system  of  Home  Tooke,  133 

Various  sources  whence  the  English  language  is  deri- 
ved, 134—136 

Disposition  of  words  and  members.     See  Arrangement. 


E. 

Ellipsis.     Its  nature  and  importance,  207 
It  is  frequently  unnecessary,  207 
It  is  sometimes  improper,  207 
The  propriety  or  impropriety  of  the  Ellipsis,  with  respect 
to  all  the  parts  of  speech,  207— 2]  0 
Special  cases  of  improper  Ellipses,  21 1 
In  what  cases  Auxiliaries  are  to  be  omitted,  or  repeated,  before 
the  principal  verb.  Key,  88 
Emphasis.     Nature  and  necessity  of  it  explained,  231 — 234 
The   great  regulator   of    Quantity — and   sometimes   of   Ac- 
cent, 234—235 
The  great  rule  for  managing  it,  236 


INDEX.  201 

English  language.    Its  own   idiom  and  principles,  must  be  ob- 
served, 84,85,  104,  1  OS— 111 
ivat  ence  in  sense  does  not  imply  similarity  in  grammatical 
construction,  «2 

Et.YMOLOGY,  -^  — 1 

See  Article,  Noun,  and  the  otlier  Parts  of  Speech. 

Etymological  and  Syntactical  parsing,  215 — 

Exceptions  to  the  Second  Rule  of  Syntax,  Key,  p.  46 

Exclamation.     Rules  for  applying  the  point,  8,  l269 

A  figure  of  speech,  325 

Exercises.     Of  great  importance  to  the  student,    Exercises,  3,  4 

Promiscuous  Exercises  in  Orthography,  Exercises,  53.     Key,  15 

in  Syntax,        Exercises,  123.     Key,  ,93 

in  Punctuation.  E  rercises,  157.  AVw,  1 29 

in  Perspicuity,  Exercises,  206.  Key,  17S 

See  Grammatical  Exercises. 


F. 


Feet.     See  Poetical  Feet. 

Figures  of  speech.  Their  nature  and  use,  and  the  rules  for  ap- 
plying them  properly,  —   - 

Finite  verbs.  Their  nature  as  distinguished  from  verbs  in  the 
infinitive  mood,  137 

French  idioms.     Some  of  them  imitated  in  English,  -.  169 

Some  of  them  to  be  avoided,  1 1  8,  176,  188, 


0, 

DER.     Three    methods,    in    English,    of    distinguishing    the 

sex,  48,  49 

Genitive  case.     Its  meaning,  53 

I  5 


202  INDEX. 

Genitive  case.  The  double  genitive  in  what  cases  allowable,  1 73,1 74 

See  Possessive  Case* 
Grammar.     Its  utility  and  importance,  " 

The  philosophy  of  grammar  recommended,  4 

The  grammar  of  other  languages,  and  the  sentiments  of  various 
English  grammarians,  occasionally  noticed,  4 

The  grammatical  discussions,  dispersed  through  the  book,  pe- 
culiarly useful  to  students,  8 
Objections  to  the  system.     See  Objections. 
Grammatical  exercises.    Their  use  and  importance,  Exercises,  3,4 
Vulgar    and    glaring    errors    totally    improper    for  such    a 
work,                                                                                  Exercises,  7 
They  should  be  introduced  into  the  earliest  stages  of  gram- 
matical studies — Reasons  for  this  opinion,            Exercises,  8 
Particular  directions  for  using  them,                  Exercises,  9 — 12 
Greek  and  Latin.     When  to  be  imitated,  when  to  be  deviated 
from,  in  English  construction,              54,  85,  88,  104,  109—1 1 1 


H. 


H.     Particular  attention  due  to  the  sound  of  this  letter,  16,  25,  44 
Harmony  of  words  and  members  promotes  the  strength  of  a  sen-  • 
tence,  309-314 

Rules  to  promote  harmony  in  words  themselves,  310 

Rules  to  promote  the  harmony  of  words,  with  respect  to  one 
another,  312 

Rules  to  promote  harmony,  with  regard  to  the  members  of 
sentences,  31  ;■ 

Sense  should  not  be  sacrificed  to  sound,  314  j 

Poetical  harmony — its  principles,  252 — 254 

Hyphen.    When  to  be  used,  and  when  to  be  omitted    between 
two  nouns,  lb° 


INDEX. 


2 


Hyphen.     Its  general  nature  and  use, 


Idioms  of  other  languages  may  1"    adopted:   but  with   pi 
limitations,  85,  104,  110,  11 1 

Imperative  mood.     See  Mood. 

Impersonal  verbs.     See  Verbs. 

Infinitive  mood.     See  Moods. 

Innovations   in   some    parts    of    English    grammar   are   easily 
made,  8,  86, 

They  should  be  admitted  with  caution,  S,  86, 

Instruction,  moral  and  religious,  should  be  occasionally  blended 


with  the  elements  of  learning, 
Interjection?     Its  nature  and  extent, 

When  to  be  omitted,  or  repeated, 

Rules  of  Syntax  respecting  it, 
Interrogation.     What  case  follows  it, 

Sentences  containing  it  parsed, 

Rules  for  applying  the  point, 

Sometimes  used  as  a  figure  of  speech, 
Interrogative.     See  Pronoun  and  Subsequent^ 
Irregular  verbs.     See  Verb. 


7.     Exercises,  5,  6 

4.3,44,  129,  ; 

210.      TneKey,^' 

152,  214 

154 

219 

i 


K. 

Key.     The  use  of  this  Key  to  private  learners,  Exercises-.  5 

Advantages  of  the  mode  of  forming  it,  I    arrises,  5 


L. 


Learning.     Its   elements  should    be   occasionally  b!  ^ it ii 

moral  and  religious  instruction,  7.     Kierr'ue^b,  6 

Its  happiest  application,  327, 

10 


204  INDEX. 

Letters.     See  Vowels  and  Consonants. 

Several  letters  in  the  English  alphabet  superfluous,  17 


M. 


Means.  The  phrases  thismeans  and  thai  means  vindicated,  156 — 160 
Melody,    harmony,    and    expression,    with  regard   to  versifi- 
cation, 251 — 256 
As  they  regard  Prose.     See  Harmony. 
Member  of  a  sentence  distinguished  from  a  Clause,  137 
Members  how  to  be  pointed.                                    258,  261 ,  262 
See  Arrangement  and  Sentences. 
Metaphor.     The   nature  of  it — Rules  to  be  observed  in  using 
it,                                                                                         017—319 
Metonymy.     The  nature  of  this  figure  of  speech,  322 
Moods.     Their  nature  and  variety  explained,                        74,  75 
The  extent  and  limitation  of  English  Moods,          79,  104,  105 
The  Potential  mood  in  English  supported,                         78,  79 
The  Potential  mood  furnished  with/our  tenses,  91 
The  Potential  converted  into  the  Subjunctive,                         92 
The    Subjunctive  mood  when,  and   how,   varied  in  its  form, 
from  the  Indicative.                                     89,  90,  99,  103,  '^02 
The  existence  of  a    subjunctive   mood,  in   English,   proved, 

103,104,202 
Various   opinions  of  Grammarians,  respecting  the  existence, 

nature,  and  extent,  of  the  English  Subjunctive  mood,  202,  203 
In     what     cases      conjunctions     require     the     Subjunctive 

mood,  195—200 

When  contingency   and  futurity  concur,  the  termination  of 

the  verb  is  varied,  198 — 200 

Indicative  mood  different  from  the  Potential,  78,  79 

Indicative  different  from  the  Subjunctive,  79,  90,  103,  203 
Infinitive  mood.     Its  great  simplicity,  ,  75,  76 


INDEX.  205 

Mood.     How  it  is  governed  and  applied,  17:j 

The  sign  to  is  often  misapplied,  179 
When  the  present,  and  when  the  perfect,  of  the  infinitive  i>    I 

be  used,                                              180—183.  Key,  60 — 

This  point  exemplified,  £ 'i  erases,  95 — 97.     Key,  51 • 

The  infinitive  mood  often  made  ahsolute,  ]  7<- 

How  it  is  to  be  pointed,  261 

Imperative  mood,  variously  applied,  74,  78,  138 

Extent  of  the  Imperative,  strictly  considered,  88,  223 
A  verb  in  this  mood,  is  not  affirmative, 

The  same  moods  connected  by  conjunctions,  194,  1 

Movement  and  measure,  how  distinguished, 

Mi/ltitude.     Nouns   of  this   kind   operate    variously    on    the 

verb,  147 


N. 


Nation's.     Different  nations  have   used  various  contrivances  to 
mark  the  moods,  tenses,  and  cases,         34,  104,    109,  110,  1  . 

Negatives.     Two  in  English  form  an  affirmative,  lb!-* 

Two  of  them  are  often  used,  instead  of  one,  18V- 

This  point  elucidated.  Exercises,   102,103.     Key,  b'8,  69 

Neuter  pronoun  /'/,  very  variously  applied,  152,  15: 

Neuter  verb.     See  Verb. 

Nominative  case.     Its  nature  explained, 

It  follows   the  verb,    in    interrogative   and   imperative    sen- 
tences, 
It  agrees  with  the  verb,  in  number  and  per.-on, 
The  infinitive   mood,  or  part  of  a  sentence,  is  often  the  nomi- 
native case  to  a  verb, 
Every  verb  has  a  nominative  case,  except,  &c.  ]4i 

•  Every  nominative  belongs  to  some  verb,  except,  &c.  I4( 


206  INDEX. 

Nominative  case.     In  certain  circumstances,    a   verb   between 
two  nouns,  may  have  either  for  its  nominative,  141 

A  nominative  before  a  participle,   &c.   forms  the  case    ab- 
solute, 141 
The  nominative  is  commonly  placed  before  the  verb — in  what 
cases,  after  it,                                                                        141,  142 
In  the  phrases  as  follows,  as  appears,  what  are  the  nominatives 
to  the  verbs,                                                                              ]  42 
The   nominative  to  the  verb  is  sometimes  not  easily  ascer- 
tained,                                                                              144,  145 
In  what  instance  is  the  relative  the  nominative  to  the  verb,  155 
When  there  are  two  nominatives  of  different  persons,  to  which 
should  the  verb  apply,                                                             155 
Rules  for  pointing  the  nominative,                                   258/263 
See  Case. 
Nouns.     Their  nature  and  divisions,                                          46  47 
Three  modes  of  distinguishing  their  gender,                       48,  49 
But  few  in  English,  with  variable  terminations,  50 

The  number  of  nouns  how  formed,  50 52 

English  nouns  have  but  three  cases,  53 56 

Two  successive  nouns  in  the  possessive  case  to  be  avoided,  5'6 
Nouns  are  often  formed  by  participles,  77 

They  are  often  derived  from  verbs  and  adjectives,  1 30 

Singular  nouns  joined  by  a  copulative,  require  their  verbs,  &c. 
to  be  in  the  plural  number,  143 

This  required  even  when  the  nouns  are  nearly  related,        144 
Cases  of  difficulty  stated,  and  resolved,  144,  145 

When  the  nouns  are  of  different  persons,  which  is  to  be  pre- 
ferred, 146 
Singular  nouns  connected  by  a  disjunctive,  require  the  verb, 
&c.  to  be  in  the  singular  number,                                         1 46 
When  the   disjunctive   noun  and   pronoun   are  of  different 
persons,  the  verb  agrees  with  the  nearer,                          146 


INDEX.  207 

Nou.vs.     A  disjunctive  between  a  singular  and  a  plural  noun, 
requires  the  verb  to  be  plural,  ]47 

uns  of  multitude  sometimes  require  a  singular  verb,  some- 
times a  plural  one,  147 
This  point  exemplified,  Exercises,  75,  76.  Key,  37. 
One  noun  governs  another  in  the  possessive  case,  16V 
If  the  nouns  signify  the  same  thing,  there  is  no  variation  of 
case,  ]r",9 
The  nouns  are  then  in  apposition, 

This  construction  changed  by  a  relative  and  verb,         .        169 
Rules  for  applying,   or  omitting,  the  sign  of  the  possessive 
case,  170—17:3,174 

The  preposition  of  is   frequently  preferred  to  the  sign  of  the 
possessive  case,  173,  \~  ■ 

A  noun  may  be  formed  by  the  article  and  participle,  and  bj 
the  pronoun  and  participle,  183 — 185 

In  what  cases  the  noun  is  omitted,  in  what  repeated,  208 

How  to  be  pointed,  259—261, 

See  Case.     Declension. 
Number.     The  nature  of  it  shown,  50 

How  the  plural  number  of  nouns  is  formed,  50,  51 

Applicable  to  nouns,  pronouns,  and  verbs,  50,  61,  75 


O. 


Objections  to  this  system  of  grammar  obviated,  b 

Objective  case.     See  Case. 

Obscurity.     It  arises  from  a  wrong  choice  of  words, 

And  from  a  wrong  arrangement  of  them, 

Three  chief  causes  of  writing  obscurely, 
Opposition.     Words  opposed  how  to  be  pointed, 

Sentiments  opposed  how  to  be  expressed, 


208  INDEX. 

Order  of  words  and  members.     See  Arrangement. 

Orthography,  15 — 40 

Far  from  being  uniform,  in  English,  40 

Rules  for  forming  primitive  and  derivative  words,  37 — 40 
The  orthography  of  Dr.  Johnson  not  to  be  altered  on  slight 

grounds,  40 
See  Alphabet)  Syllables,  Vowels  and  Consonants,  &c. 


P. 

Paragraphs.     Rules  for  dividing  a  work  into  paragraphs,     272 
Parenthesis.     In    what    cases    it    is   proper,   in   what  impro- 
per, 269,  296 
The  point  to  be  placed  within  it,  lJ70 
Parsing.     Its  nature  and  use,                                                       '215 

Etymological  parsing,  215 — 2 17.     Exercise?,  16 

Syntactical  parsing,  217 — 223.     Exercises,  34,  35 

Etymological  parsing  table,  Exercises,  15 

Syntactical  parsing  table,  Exercises,  32,  33 

Participle.     Its  nature  and  properties  explained.  75 — 77 

Perfect  and  passive  participle  distinguished,  76 

It  is  not  a  distinct  part  of  speech,  102 

Its  use  in  conjugating  both  the  active  and  passive 

verbs,  102,  105,  108 

The  participle  and  its  adjuncts  form  a  substantive  phrase,  1 85,  223 
The  participle  has  the  same  government  as  its  verb,  185 

It  becomes  a  substantive  by  means  of  the  article,  1 84 

And  also  by  means  of  the  pronoun,  185 

The  perfect  participle   and  imperfect  tense  not  to  be  con- 
founded, 186 
The  participle  with  its  dependencies,  how  to  be  pointed,      260 
Reasons  for  assigning  it  a  distinct  place  in  Syntax          Ex.  97 


INDEX.  200 

Particle  as,   is  not   always  equivalent  to  the  pronoun  it,    or 
that,  or  which,  I*3-     Key, 

Parts  of  speech.     Variously  enumerated  by  grammarians,      43 
The  same  word  forms  different  parts  of  speech.         See  Words. 

Pauses.     Their  nature,  kinds,  and  uses,  236,  23' 

Rules  for  applying  them  properly, 

The  closing  and  suspending  pauses  distinguished,         238, 
Poetical  pauses  of  two  sorts,  249     ~r>  1 

Period.     Directions  for  using  it, 

Personification.     Its  nature  and  use,  3~~i  *>2j 

Persons.     Applicable  to  nouns,  pronouns,  and  verbs,  47,  61,  73 
Three  necessary  in  each  number,  °1,  >-' 

The  second  takes  place  of  the  third,  and  the  first  of  both,  14< 
The  second  person  is  the  object  of  the  Imperative, 
The  nominative  and  verb  agree  in  person,  139 

How  to  avoid  the  confusion  of  persons,  I46 

Relative  and  antecedent  are  of  the  same  person,  148 

The  person  is  variable  when  the  relative  is  preceded  by  two 
nominatives  of  different  persons,  l-^ 

Persons  of  the  verb  when  to  be  varied,  when  not,  103,  195 —  - 

Perspicuity  and  accuracy,  *  '4     3'2b 

See  Purity,  Propriety,  Precision,  Clearness,  Unity,  and  Strength. 

Phrase.     Its  nature,  138,257 

How  to  be  pointed,  2oS,  263 

The  phrase,  "  as  follows,''''  explained,  142,  143, 

The  phrase,  "  every  leaf  and  every  twig,"  requires  a  singular 

rb,  Key.     Rule  viii.  Note  3.  p.  45 

Poetical  feet     Why  called  Feet, 

Formed,  in  English,  by  accented  and  unaccented  Byllabli 
Their  kinds,  divisions,  and  subdivisions,  243 — - 

Poetical  harmony.     See  Harmony  and  Mt  !<><ly. 
Poetical  pauses.     See  Pauses. 

Position  of  words.     Great  importance  of  the  situation,  in  which 
words  are  placed  in  a  sentence.  SI  I 


210 


INDEX. 


Position  of  words.     The  place  of  adverbs,  relatives,  and  circum- 
stances, necessary  to  the  clearness  of  a  sentence,      288—291 
See  Arrangement. 
Possessive   case.     The  sign  of  it  when   and  where  to  be  ap- 
Pi;ed,  170,  171,  172 

In  what  instances,  both  the  sign  and  the  preposition  of  are 
to  be  used,  173,174 

Potential  mood.     See  Mood. 

Precision  of  language.     In  what  it  consists,  282 

Three  faults  opposed  to  precision,  '  282 

words  termed  synonymous  are  the  great  source   of  a  loose 
style,  284, 285 

Prepositions,     Their  nature  and  office,  1-25 

They  often  give  verbs  a  new  meaning,  1 23 

Certain   syllables    improperly  termed    inseparable    preposi- 
tions, 123 
The  peculiar  use  of  prepositions  shown,  1 24 
They  are  often  properly  omitted,                                              210 
They  are  not,  in  general,  to  be  separated  from  the  relative, 
or  the  noun,                                                                      190,300 
They  govern  the  objective  case,  1 90 
Different  relations  require  different  prepositions,  though  con- 
nected by  the  same  verb,                                                        191 
A    copious    list  of  errors  in  applying  the  different  preposi- 
tions,                                                                                191—193 
What  prepositions  are  proper  before  nouns  of  place,    193,  194 
When  the  preposition  is  to  be  omitted,                                   210 
How  to  be  pointed,                                                                          262 
Pronoun.     Its  general  nature  and  use,  60 

Three  kinds  of  pronouns,  60 

Three  persons  to  each  number  of  the  pronoun,  61 

Why  the  third  person  only  is  marked  by  gender,  6 1 

The  Personal  pronouns  how  declined,  62 

The  Relative  pronoun  and  its  varieties  explained,  62 — 64 


INDEX.  211 

Pron'ovn.      The   Relative   and    Interrogative   not  distinct   spi  - 
cies,  64,  65 

The  Adjectne  pronoun  and  its  four  subdivisions  explained,  65--6S 
Various    opinions,    respecting    the    Adjective    pronoun*, 

ted,  68,  69 

Pronouns   agree  with   their  antecedents,  in  gender  and  num- 
ber, 14S 
Relatives,  though  in  the  objective  case,  are   placed  before  the 
verb,                                                                                       149,  IT;". 
Personal  pronouns  are  unnecessary,  when  the  noun  itself  is 
•  xpressed,  14'.' 
The  pronoun  that  is   frequently   applied  to  persons  as  well 
as  to  things,  149 
This  is  sometimes  indispensable,                                       149,  150 
The  pronouns  whichsoever,  &c.  may  be  elegantly  divided, 
The  objective  case  of  the  personal  pronouns,  is   improperly 
used  instead  of  these  and  those,  150 

II  hat  is  improperly  used  for  that,  1-50 

The  pronoun  mho  is  often  misapplied  for  which,  151 

The  relative  zi-ho  not  applicable  to  little  children,  151 

When  the  name  of  a  person  is  used,  merely  as  a  name,  zihicJi 

should  be  used  instead  of  zvho,  131 

The  relative  often  attended  with  ambiguity,  152,  291,  292 

//  is  and  it  was,  are  often  used  in  a  plural  construction,  152 
What  case  of  the  pronoun  does  1 1 1« •  Interjection  require,  152 
The  neuter  pronoun  it  often  refers  to  the  masculine,  and  I 

fi  minine  gender,  152,  I. 

The  pronoun  it  has  various  applications, 
The  relative  is  sometimes  the  nominative  to  the  verb, 
In  what  cases,  it  has  a  diffen  nt  construction,  153 

When  the  pronoun  is  interrogative*,  what  case  follows  it,  154 
The  relative  may  agree  with    either  of  two    nominatives  of 

different  persons, 
Adjective  pronouns  agree  in  number  with  their  nouns, 


212 


INDEX. 


Pronoun.     Tins  means,  that  means,  are  correct  phrases,  156—160 

That  refers  to  the  former,  this  to  the  latter,  160 

Each,  every,  either,  refer  to  the  singular  number,  160,  161 

The  copulative  and  makes  no  difference,  with  regard  to  this 

rule,  Key,  p.  45.  the  Note. 

In  what  cases  the  pronoun  should  be  omitted ;  in  what  cases 

repeated,  208,  209 

How  to  be  pointed,  262 

Propriety  of  language.     Rules  to  promote  it,  viz. 

Low  expressions  to  be  avoided,  276 

Words  that  are  wanting  to  be  supplied,  276 

The  same  word  not  to  be  used  in  different  senses,  277 

The  improper  use  of  technical  terms,  to  be  avoided,  277 

Ambiguous  words  not  to  be  used,  277 

Unintelligible  expressions  to  be  avoided,  278 

All  words  that  are  not  fully  adapted  to  the  meaning,  to  be  re- 
jected, 281 
Prose  and  verse  distinguished,  250 
Prosody,                                                                               224 — 256 
See  Accent,  Quantity,  Emphasis,  Pauses,  Tones,  Feet,  and  Melody. 
•  Punctuation,                                                                       257 — 273 
Varied    according    to    the    length    and    proportion    of    the 
clauses,                                                                             257,  264 
It  may  be  considered  as  either  long  or  short,                 257,  264 
Properly  treated  as  a  distinct  article,                                        257 
See  Comma,  Semicolon,  Colon,  and  Period* 
See  also  Characters. 
Purity  of  style.     Rules  for  promoting  it,                         274,  275 


Q. 


Quantity.     Its  nature  and  variations,  229,  230 

General  Rules  for  determining  the  quantity  of  vowels,  230,  231 


INDEX.  213 

Quantity.     For  the  variety   of  quantity  in  each  of  the  vowels, 
see  page  21,  &c. 


Relation.  Things  related  in  point  of  time,  should  have  a  cor- 
respondent expression,  179 — 133 
Id  relating  particular  declarations  of  others,  what  tense  should 
be  used,                                                                             Key,  p.  60 

Relatives.     See  Pronouns. 

Repetition  of  words,  when  proper,  when  improper,  see  Ellipsis, 
and  Key,  p.  82—90 

Rhyme.     Its  definition,  242 


S. 

Semicolon.     Rules  for  applying  it,  264,  266 

Sentences.     They  are  of  various  kinds,  137,  133,  257 

Long  and  short  should  be  duly  blended,  2S6,  237 

Their  members  should  be  proportionably  arranged,  313 

See  Member  and  Clause. 

Shall  and  will.     Their  peculiar  application,  89,  90,  93,  9  I 

Simile.     Its  nature  and  use — Directions  for  using  it  most  ad- 
vantageously, 321,  3 12 

Simplb  and  compound  tenses  how  formed,  i00 

Sound  of  the  letters.     See  Vowels  and  Consonants. 

Speech.     How  it  is  formed,  .J— 34 

See  Par/5  of  Speech. 

Spelling.     See  Words* 

Standard  of  propriety.     What  forms  it  in  language, 

Strength  of  a  sentence.     Rules  to  promote  it,  viz. 

All  redundant  expressions  to  be  pruned,  297— 


214  INDEX. 

Strength.      The    use  of  copulatives,  relatives,    &c.  to  be   at- 
tended to,  300—303 
The  capital  words  to  be  judiciously  disposed,  303 — 306 
A  weaker  assertion  not  to  be  followed  by  a  stronger  one,    306 
An  adverb,    a  preposition,    &c.    should   not    conclude    the 
sentence,                                                                          306 — 308 
Where  there  is  resemblance,  or  contrast,  the  language  should 
be  correspondent,  308,  309 
The    harmony  of   the    words    and    members    must    be    re- 
garded,                                                                         309—314 
Subjunctive  mood.      Its  true  nature  and  extent  in  English. 

See  Mood:  and  also  pages  90,  103,  104 
Subordinate  rules  of  the  Grammar,  Exercises,  and  Key,  num- 
bered to  denote  their  coi'respondence,  1 39.     Exercises,  69 
Subsequent  to  the  interrogative.     In  what  cases  this  term  is 
proper,  62,  65,  155 
Substantive  phrase.     See  Participle. 

Syllables.       General    rules    for    dividing    words   into    sylla- 
bles, 35,  36 
Words  with  a  mixture  of  long  and  short  syllables,  are  the  most 
melodious,  310 
Synecdoche.     The  nature  of  this  figure,  522 
Synonymous  words.     Injudicious  use  of  words  termed  synony- 
mous, is  the  great  source  of  a  loose  style,                     284 — 286 
Few,  if  any,  words  are  perfectly  synonymous,                285,  286 
Syntax,                                                                                    137 — 212 
See  its  rules  under  the  Article,  the  Noun,   and  the  other  parts 

of  speech. 
Its  most  comprehensive  rule,  212 


INDEX.  215 


Tenses.     Six  tenses  belong  to  the  English  verb,  80 

Their  nature  and  distinctions  explained  at  large,  80 — 83 

They  are  definite  or  indefinite,  perfect  or  imperfect,        83,  ^4 

They  are  composed  of  the  principal  verb  and  its  auxiliaries  ; 

and  these  parts  constitute  one  verb, 

84—86,  103,  105,  108— 111 
Simple  and  compound  tenses  how  formed,  100 

The  present  names  of  the  tenses  justifiable,  87 

How  far  the  tenses  of  the  Indicative  and  Subjunctive  moods 
vary  in  their  form,  90,  103,  104,  196—203 

The  tenses  of  verbs  should  exactly  correspond  with  relative 
actions  and  events,  119 

When  the  present,  and  when  the  perfect,  of  the  infinitive,  should 
be  used,  180—183 

The  same  tenses  are  connected  by  conjunctions,  194,  195 

Termination  of  a  verb  is  altered,  when  contingency  and  futu- 
rity concur,  198,199 
This  point  elucidated,            Exercises,  108—112.     Key,  14—78 
Terms  used  to  designate  the  three  past  tenses,  supported,        81 
Established  terms  and  arrangements,  not  to  be  rejected,  S6— b9 
Than  and  but,  explained  at  large,                 206.     Key,  p.  81—86 
That,  as  a  relative,  often  useful,  sometimes  indispensable,      149 
Time.     See  Relation  and  Tenses. 

Tones.     Their  nature  and  use,  259 

In  what  respect  different  from  Emphasis, 
Rules  and  limitations  respecting  them,  -41 

U. 

U.   ^instead  of  an  is  to  be  used  before  words  beginning  with 

9.Q    44 
the  long  u,  ~~> 


216  INDEX. 

Unity  of  a  sentence.     Rules  to  promote  it,  viz. 

The  scene  to  be  changed  as  little  as  possible,  293 

Things  but  slightly  connected  should  not  be  crowded  into  one 

sentence,  294 296 

Every  unnecessary  parenthesis  to  be  avoided,  296,  297 

V. 

Variation.     What  degree   of    it   constitutes    a    distinct   mood 
of  the  verb,  103,  104 

When  proper  in  the  auxiliaries  of  the  verb,  197 — 202 

Verb.   How  divided.— The  division  justified,  70 

Distinction  between  active  and  neuter  verbs,  71 

The  true  nature  of  the  English  verb  explained  and  vindi- 
cated, .  71—73,  108—111 
The  terminations  of  the  English  Verb,  though  few,  are  sufficient 
for  every  purpose,  73,  74 
Conjugation  explained,  86 
The  advantage  to  the  student  of  conjugating  the  verb  in    all 
its  tenses,                                                                                    90 
The  peculiar  uses  of  conjugating  the  active  verb  with  the 
present  participle  and  verb  to  be,                                         102 
Mode  of  conjugating  a  passive  verb,                                        10.5 
Observations  on  passive  verbs,                                         108 — 111 
The  conjugation  of  an  English  verb  at  large,  is  a  regular  and 
beautiful  exhibition,                                                                   1 10 
A  comprehensive  list  of  irregular  verbs,                         1 1 1 — 1 1 6 
Particular  contractions    and     obsolete     words  to  be   avoid- 
ed,                                                                                              117 
When  the  regular  or  the  irregular  verb  is  to  be  preferred,  117 
Defective  Verbs.    Their  nature. — A  list  of  them,                 117 
But  one  conjugation  of  English  verbs,  and  why,                   ]  is 
impersonal  verbs.     None  in  the  languagei                            ]  is 


INDEX.  217 

Verb.     Advantages   and   disadvantages   of  the    mode    of   con- 
jugating the  English  verb,                                                    119 
The  phrases  as  follows,  as  appears,  form  what  are  called  imper- 
sonal verbs,  142 
Peculiar  cases  of  difficulty  in  determining  whether  the  verb  is 
to  be  in  the  singular,  or  the  plural  number,               144,  ]4.i 
Active  verbs  govern  the  objective  case,                                   1  J5 
Neuter  verbs  govern  no  case,                                             I  75,  1 76 
Irregular  practice  of  writers,   in  using  certain  neuter  verbs  as 
if  they  were  active,  176 
Active  verbs  sometimes  improperly  made  neuter,                 176 
The  neuter  verb  is  generally  varied  like  the  active,  but  some- 
times it  admits  the  passive  form,                          108,  176,  177 
The  verb  to  be  is  a  conductor  of  Cases,           1 77.     Exercises,  93 
Passive  verbs  of  naming,  their  construction,  1 7< 
One  verb  governs  another  in  the  Infinitive,  ITS 
The  Infinitive  is  often  improperly  used,                           178,  179 
Verbs  expressive  of  hope,  desire,  &c.  are  invariably  followed  by 
the  present  of  the  Infinitive,                                                   1 8 1 
In  what  cases  the  form  of  the  verb  is  influenced  by  a  con- 
junction; in  what  cases  it  is  not,                                \a$ 202 

When    the    verb    should     be    omitted,    when     repeated, 

210.     Key,  88. 
How  it  should  be  pointed,  260  26ci 

See    Mood,    Tense,    Number,    Person,    Participle,    Auxiliary,    and 
^  minative  Case. 
Verse.  Distinction  between  verse  and  prose,  250 

Trochaic,  Iambic,  and  other  verses  explained, 
Their  different  effects  exhibited,  i  \  \  _. 

Versification.     Its  constituents  and  rules,  241—256 

Vowels  and  Consonants.     A  minute  scale  of  them,  15 1 7 

Their  peculiar  and  various   sounds  explained   and  exempli- 

fied>  21—13 

K 


218 


INDEX, 


Voweis   and  Consonants.     Importance  of  being   able  to  pro= 

nounce  them  accurately,  17,  34 

Vowels  give  softness,  consonants  strength,  to  words,  310 
See  Consonant. 


W. 


W,    shown    to    be    sometimes  a   vowel,    sometimes   a  conso- 

nant>  18,  30,  31 

Words.     Number  of  them  in  the  English  language,  118 

The  same  word  often  forms  different  parts  of  speech,    64,  1209 

126,  127 
This  point  exemplified,  Exercises,  24,  25 

Rules  for  spelling  them,  37 — 40 

Three  capital  faults  in  using  them,  282 

Redundant  words  and  members  to  be  pruned,  297 — 300 

The  little  words  but,  and,  or,  then,  &c.   are  frequently  of  the 
greatest  importance,  300 — 303 

The  chief  word  or  words  of  a  sentence,  how  to  be  placed, 

303—306 
Words  and  phrases  related  in  point  of  time,  179 — 183 

Writing   unintelligibly.    The  principal   causes   of   it   enume- 
rated, 280 


X. 


X.    This  letter  does  not  represent  a  simple  sound,  17 

It  has  three  distinct  sounds,  30,  31 

It  is  a  semi-vowel,  19 


INDEX.  219 


Y. 


Y,  in  some  situations,  is  a  vowel,  in  others  a  consonant,  19,  3' 
It  represents  a  simple  sound,  16, 31 


Z,  is  a  semi-vowel,  10 

It  has  the  flat  sound  of  s,  31 


THE    END. 


Ki 


(     220     ) 


AD  VER  TISEME  NT. 


In  the  Twenty-Third  edition  of  the  Grammar,  the  Seven- 
teenth of  the  Exercises,  and  the  Twelfth  of  the  Key,  exact 
references  have  been  made  to  the  pages  of  the  correspondent 
rules,  in  each  of  those  volumes.  By  this  improvement,  the 
student,  when  perusing  any  particular  rule  of  the  Grammar, 
may,  with  the  utmost  facility,  examine  the  pages  of  the 
Exercises  and  the  Key,  which  illustrate  or  expand  that 
rule :  and  when  he  is  occasionally  surveying  any  part  of 
those  illustrations,  in  the  Exercises  or  the  Key,  he  will  be 
able  to  turn  immediately  to  the  precise  pages  of  the  Gram- 
mar, and  of  the  other  volume,  which  contain  the  part  in 
question,  discussed  more  distinctly,  and,  it  is  presumed,  suffi- 
ciently elucidated. 

Holdgate,  near  York,  1812. 


R  E  C  O  M  M  £  N  D  A  T 1  O  i\  S 

OF  THIS  WOKK. 

**  We  have  been  much  pleased  with  the  perusal  of  these 
Exercises.  They  occupy,  with  distinguished  excellence,  a 
most  important  place  in  the  science  of  the  English  language  ; 
and,  as  such,  we  can  warmly  recommend  them  to  the  teach- 
ers of  schools,  as  well  as  to  all  those  who  are  desirous  of 
attaining  correctness  and  precision  in  their  native  tongue." 

Monthly  Review. 

"There  is  great  judgment  shown  in  these  Exercises; 
what  is  no   common   merit,   the  greatest  perspicuity  in   the 
adaptation  of  the  examples  to  the  several  rules." 

British  <    i 

"These  Exercises  are  in  general  well  calculated  to  promote 
the  purpose  of  information,  not  only  with  regard  to  ortho- 
graphy and  punctuation,  but  also  in  point  of  phjraseolog 
syntax,  and  precise  perspicuity  of  composition." 

Critical  7»V-. 

"  The  example*  contained  in  these  Bxercisi  s,   n<    b<  l<  i  ted 

with  great  judgment;    and  are  wry  happily  adapted  to  the 


(     222     ) 

purpose  of  correcting  common  errors  in  writing  and  speaking. 
— With  respect  to  the  matter,  as  well  as  the  language  of  these 
examples,  we  are  much  pleased  with  the  author's  choice: 
hoth  vulgarity,  and  peculiarity  of  sentiment,  are  judiciously 
avoided."  Analytical  Review. 

"  The  principle  upon  which  all  the  publications  of  Mr. 
Murray,  for  the  instruction  of  the  rising  generation,  are 
founded,  is  such  as  gives  him  an  unquestionable  claim  to 
public  protection.  The  man  who  blends  religion  and  morals 
with  the  elements  of  scientific  knowledge,  renders  an  eminent 

0 

service  to  society :  and  where  ability  of  execution  is  added 
to  excellence  of  design,  as  in  the  present  case,  the  claim  be- 
comes irresistible."  Anti-jacobin  Review. 


"  For  pupils  advanced  in  grammar,  a  better  method  cannot 
be  conceived,  than  is  found  in  Murray's  Exercises  and  Key. 
In  these,  the  faults  and  corrections,  by  being  separated,  and 
placed  in  different  books,  ai-e  happily  calculated  to  set  the 
mind  of  the  pupil  at  work,  to  discover  the  error  by  the  rule; 
and,  by  this  discovery,  to  fix  the  rule  more  permanently  in  the 
memory."  Walker's  Outlines  of  English  Grammar. 

"  Mr.  Murray's  Grammar,  Exercises,  and  Key  to  the  Ex- 
ercises, form  altogether,  by  far,  the  most  complete  and 
judicious  analysis  of  the  English  language,  that  has  hitherto 
been  published.  The  rules  for  composition  are  excellent; 
the  examples  are  selected  with  taste  and  judgment;  and 
the  execution  of  the  whole  displays  an  unusual  degree  of 
critical  acuteness  and  sagacity."  Annual  Review. 


(      223      ) 

OF     THE     SAME     BOOKSELLERS 

May  be  had  the  latest  editions  of  Murray's  English  Gram* 
mar,  and  of  his  other  publications }  namely  ; 

1.  A  First  Book  for  Children. 

The  22nd  edition.     Price  I 

2.  As  Enclish  Spelt.ing-Book  ;  with  Reading  Lessons 
adapted  to  the  capacities  of  Children  :  in  Three  Parts. 
Calculated  to  advance  the  Learners  by  natural  and  easy 
gradations ;  and  to  teach  Orthography  and  Pronunciation 
together. 

The  44th  edition.     Price,  bound,   Is.  6 

3.  An  Abridgment   of   Murray's   English   Grammar.      With 

an  Appendix,  containing  Exercises  in  Orthography,  in 
Parsing,  in  Syntax,  and  in  Punctuation.  Designed  for 
the  younger  Classes  of  Learners. 

The  119th  edition.    Price,  bound,  Is. 

I.  English  Grammar,  adapted  to  the  different  Classes  oi 
Learn*  rs.  With  an  Appendix,  containing  Rules  and  Ob- 
servations, for  assisting  the  more  advanced  Students  to 
write  with  perspicuity  and  accuracy. 

The    48th   edition.     Price,  bound,  -   3s. 

5.   English  Exercises, adapted  to  Murray's  English  Grammar: 
consisting  of  Exercises  in  Parsing;   instapces  of  Pal 
Orthography;  violations  of  the  Rules  of  Syntax;  defects 
in  Punctuation;    and  violations  of  the  Rul< 


(     224-     ) 

perspicuous  and  accurate  Writing.  Designed  for  the 
benefit  of  private  Learners,  as  well  as  for  the  use  of 
Schools. 

The  44th  edition.     Price,  bound,    2s. 

6.  An  English  Grammar  :   comprehending  the  Principles  and 

Rules  of  the  Language,  illustrated  by  appropriate  Ex- 
ercises, and  a  Key  to  the  Exercises. 

In  two  volumes,  octavo.     The  6th  edition,  improved. 
Price,  in  boards, 1/.  Is. 

7.  Introduction  to  the   English  Reader:  or,  A  Selection  of 

Pieces,  in  Prose  and  Poetry ;  calculated  to  improve  the 
younger  Classes  of  Learners  in  Reading;  and  to  imbue 
their  minds  with  the  love  of  virtue.  To  which  are  added, 
Rules  and  Observations  for  assisting  Children  to  read 
with  propriety. 

The  31st  edition.     Price,  bound, 2>.  6d. 

8.  The  English  Reader:  or,  Pieces  in  Prose  and  Poetry, select- 

ed from  the  best  Writers.  Designed  to  assist  young  Per- 
sons to  read  with  propriety  and  effect ;  to  improve  their 
language  and  sentiments;  and  inculcate  some  of  themost 
important  principles  of  piety  and  virtue.  With  a  few  pre- 
liminary Observations  on  the  Principles  of  good  Reading. 
The  22nd  edition.     Price,  bound, 3s.  del. 

9.  Sequel  to  the  English  Reader:  or,  Elegant  Selections  in 

Prose  and  Poetry.  Designed  to  improve  the  highest  Class 
of  Learners  in  reading;  to  establish  a  taste  for  just  and 


(     225     ) 

accurate  composition  ;  and  to  promote  the  interests  of 
piety  and  virtue. 

The  7th  edition.     Price,  bound,  4*.  6r/. 

10.  Introulctios  an  Lecteur  Francois :  ou,  Recueil  de 
Pieces  Choisies  ;  avec  l'explication  des  idiotismes,  et  des 
phrases  difficiles,  qui  s'y  trouvent. 

The  6th  edition.     Price,  bound,  3j.  (hi. 

11.  Lecteur  Francois:  ou,  Recueil  de  Pieces,  en  Prose  et 
en  Vers,  tirees  des  meilleurs  Ecrivains.  Pour  servir  a 
perfectionner  les  jeunes  gens  dans  la  lecture;  aetendre 
Jeur  connoissance  de  la  Langue  Francoise;  et  a  leur 
inculquer  des  principes  de  vertu  et  de  piete. 

The   6th  edition.      Price,  bound,  Ss. 

12.  The    Power  of   Relicion  on  the   Mind,  in   Retirement, 

Affliction,  and  at  the  approach  of  Death;  exemplified  in 
the  Testimonies  and  Experience  of  Persons  distinguished 
by  their  greatness,  learning,  or  virtue. 
"  Tis  immortality,— His  that  alone, 
Amidst  life's  pains,  abasements,  emptiness, 

The  soul  can  comfort,  elevate,  and  fill." i 

The  UHh  edition.     Price,  bound, 

3:3.  The   Power  of  Religion,  &c.  on  fine  paper,  with  a   Pica 
letter,  octavo.     Price,  in  boards, 1 

14.  A  Selection  from   Bishop  Home's  Commentary  on  t 
Psalms. 

The  2nd  edition.     Price,  in  boards,   5f. 

15.  The  Duty  and  Benefit  of  a  Daily  Perusal  of  the  Huly 
Scriptures,  in  Families, '2nd  edition,  improved.     Price 


(     226     ) 

ALSO, 

Handsomely  printed  in  one  volume,  octavo,  with  a  portrait  of 
the  author,  and  a  fac  simile  of  his  writing, 

Memoirs  of  the  Life  and  Writings  of  Lindley  Murray, 

in  a  Series  of  Letters,  written  by  hijiself.   With  a  Preface, 

and  a  Continuation  of  the  Memoirs,  by  Elizabeth  Frank. 

The  2nd  edition.     Price,  in  boards 5s. 

"  Mr.  Murray's  account  of  himself  is  drawn  up  with  the  most 
guarded  modesty  ;  and  in  a  spirit  of  humility  and  of  unaffected 
piety,  which  sheds  a  great  charm  over  his  narrative. — We  have 
found,  in  these  pages,  attractions  of  a  rare  and  a  truly  fasci- 
nating description."  Monthly  Review. 

"  This  volume  cannot  fail  to  instruct,  as  well  as  to  gratify, 
all  who  peruse  it."  Eclectic  Review. 

**  The  name  of  Lindley  Murray  is  so  well  known,  and  so 
justly  respected,  wherever  the  English  language  is  spoken,  that 
a  memoir  of  his  truly  exemplary  and  pious  life,  cannot  but  be 
acceptable  to  the  public."  Christian  Observer, 

*'  The  volume  before  us  is  most  entertaining  and  instructive  ; 
and  as  it  was  chiefly  written  by  Mr.  Murray  himself,  it  gives  an 
insight  into  his  life  and  character,  which  no  stranger  could  have 
furnished.  We  thank  the  Editor  for  a  document  so  valuable ; 
and  we  would  not  be  unmindful  of  our  additional  obligations  for 
the  important  matter  which  she  herself  has  supplied." 

Evangelical  Magazine. 

"  Of  the  volume  before  us,  we  cannot  speak  too  highly,  nor 
can  we  recommend  it  too  warmly — The  duty  of  the  Editor  has 
been  most  ably  sustained  ;  and  forms  a  beautiful  sequel,  written 
by  a  kindred  spirit.  We  can  have  no  doubt  that,  under  the 
blessing  of  God,  the  volume  will  subserve  the  great  interests  of 
religion  and  virtue,  and,  by  the  influence  of  a  powerful  example, 
inculcate  the  most  important  lessons."       Gentleman' 's  Magazine. 


(     227     ) 


lr  addition  to  the  characters  which  have  been  given  of  Murray's  Grammar, 
ifc.  in  the  Reviews,  the  following  favourable  notices,  extracted  from  oM 
publications,  are  offered  for  the  readers  inspection. 

"  Mr.   Murray's  Grammar,   and  Selection  of  Lessons  for 
reading,  are  the  best  in  the  English  language.'' 

Walker's  Elements  of  Elocution.     Second  edition. 


u  Since  the  first  edition  of  our  work,  we  have  seen  with 
pleasure,  An  English  Grammar — English  Exercises — and  a 
Key  to  the  English  Exercises,  by  Mr.  Lindley  Murray." 

Edgezcorth's  Practical  Education.     Second  edition. 

"  For  a  full  and  easy  explanation  of  the  Figures  of  Speech, 
the  reader  is  referred  to  Mr.  Lindley  Murray's  excellent 
English  Grammar."  Edgeicorth's  Poetry  Explained, 

"  Murray's  English  Grammar.     This  is  the   most  complete 
Grammar  of  our  language.    My  opinion  is  confirmed  by  that       • 
of  the  public,   as  this  work  now   appears   in    the   Fourteenth 
edition."      Rett's  Elements  of  General  Knowledge.    Sixth  edition. 

"  Murray's  Grammar,  together  with  his  English  Exercises 
and  Key,  have  nearly  superseded  every  thing  else  of  the 
kind,  by  concentrating  the  remarks  of  the  best  authors  on  the 
subject.     They  are  pieces  of  inestimable  utility." 

Evans's  Essay  on  the  Education  of  Youth. 


(     22S     } 

"  The  best  English  Grammar  now  extant,  is  that  written 
by  Mr.  Lindley  Murray;  who,  by  this  publication,  and  by 
several  others  connected  with  it,  and  designed  as  auxiliaries 
to  its  principal  purpose,  has  become  entitled  to  the  gratitude 
of  every  friend  to  English  literature,  and  to  true  virtue." 

Dr.  Miller's  Retrospect  of  the  Eighteenth  Century. 

"  By  grammar  you  have  been  taught  the  nature,  power, 
and  construction  of  the  English  language;  and  that,  not  in  a 
superficial  manner,  but  by  the  most  comprehensive  system 
now  extant,  the  larger  Grammar  of  Mr.  Lindley  Murray  ;  in 
which  the  delicacies,  refinements,  and  peculiarities  of  our 
language,  are  inculcated  and  exemplified." — "The  unwearied 
exertions  of  this  gentleman  have  done  more  towards  eluci- 
dating the  obscurities,  and  embellishing  the  structure,  of  our 
language,  than  any  other  writer  on  the  subject.  Such  a  work 
has  long  been  wanted;  and,  from  the  success  with  which  it  is 
executed,  cannot  be  too  highly  appreciated. " 

Dr.  Abercrombie's  Charges  to  the  Senior  Class 
of  the  Philadelphia  Academy. 

"  I  need  not  acquaint  the  public,  with  the  merit  and 
success  of  Lindley  Murray's  Grammar;  which  seems  to  have 
superseded  every  other.  Indeed,  when  we  consider  the  plain 
simple  mode  of  instruction  he  has  adopted ;  the  extent  of 
observation  he  has  displayed;  and  the  copious  variety  of 
illustrations  he  has  added ;  we  shall  not  wonder  that  his 
Grammar  has  been  so  universal^  applauded." 

Walker's  Outlines  of  English  Grammar* 


(Thomas  Wilson  and  Sons,  High-Ousegate,  York.) 


YA  C4442 


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